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BOYS OF LIBERTY LIBRARY. 12mo. Cloth, handoomely bound. Price, each, poetpaid, 50 cents. PAUL REVERE and the Boys of Liberty. By John De Morgan. THE FIRST SHOT FOR LIBERTY or The Minute Mea of Massachusetts. By John De Morgan. FOOLING THE ENEMY. A Story of the Siege of Boston. By John DeMorgan. INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH or The Boys of Liberty at the Battle of Long Island. By John De Morgan. THE HERO OF TICONDEROGA or Ethan Allen and His Green Mountain Boys. By John De Morgan. ON TO QUEBEC or With Montgomery In Canada. By John De Morgan. FIGHTING HAL or From Fort Necessity to Quebec. By John De Morgan. MARION AND HIS MEN or The Swamp Fox of Carolina. By John De Morgan. THE YOUNG AMBASSADOR or Washington's First Triumph. By John De Morgan. THE YOUNG GUARDSMAN or With Washington in the Ohio Valley. By John De Morgan. THE CRUISE OF THE LIVELY BEE or A Boy's Adventure In the War of 1812. By J ohn De Morgan. THE TORY PLOT or Saving Washington's Life. By T C. Harbaugh. IN BUFF AND BLUE or Serviilg under Old Put. By T. C. Harbaugh. WASHINGTON'S YOUNG SPY or Outwitting General Howe. By T. C Harbaugh. UNDER GREENE'S BANNER or The Boy Heroes of 1781. By T. C. Harbaugh. FOR FREEDOM'S CAUSE or On to Saratoga. By T C. Harbaugh. CAPTAIN OF THE MINUTE MEN or The Concord Boys of 1775. By Harrie Irving Hancock. THE TRADER'S CAPTIVE or The Young Guardsman and The French Spies. By Lieut. Lounsberry. THE QUAKER SPY, A Tale of the Revolutionary Wa,r. By Lieut. Lounsberry. FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM or The Birth of the Stare and Stripes. By Lieut. Lounsberry. BY ORDER OF THE COLONEL or The Captain of the Young Guards men. By Lieut. Lounsberry. A CALL TO DUTY or The Youn& Guardsman. By Lieut. Lounsberry. IN GLORY'S VAN or The Young Guardsman at Louisbourg By Lieut. Lounsberry. THE YOUNG PATRIOT or The Young Guardsmen at Fort William Henry. By Lieut. Lounsberry. "OLD PUT" THE PATRIOT or Fi1hting for Home and Country. By Frederick A. Ober. THE LEAGUE OF FIVE or Washington's Boy Scouts. By Commander Post. THE KING'S MESSENGER or The Fall of Ticonderoga. By Capt. Frank Ra lph. DASHING PAUL JONES, The Hero of the Colonial Navy. By Frank Sheridan. FROM MIDSHIPMAN TO COMMODORE or The Glories of Our Infant Navy. By Frank Sheridan. THE CRUISE OF THE ESSEX or Making the Stars and Stripes Re .spected. By Frank Sheridan.

THE FIRST SHOT FOR LIBERTY OR. THE MINUTE MEN OF MASSACHUSETTS JOHN DE MORGAN AUTHOR OF "Paul Revere," "The Young Ambassador," "The Cruise of the Lively Bee," "On to Quebec," etc. PHILADELPHIA DAVID McKAY, PUBLISHER 610 SOUTH WASHINGTON SQUARE

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Copyright, 189 By NORMAN L. MUNRO The First Shot for Liberty

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THE FIRST SHOT FOR LIBERTY. CHAPTER I. THE STRANGER'S PROPHECY. "Here's to the health of King George, God bless him!" The speaker, a tall, well-formed man, clad in the gay uniform of an officer of the Royal Grenadier Guards, / raised his glass and looked around at the company. Each one raised his glass and drained its contents without a murmur. "Fill up again, my friends !" The order was promptly obeyed. Four of the company were English officers, two were merchants of the city and one, whose occupation was not known, but who must have be en considered highly respectable, or he could not have been admitted to that select c ompany gathered in the public room of a fash ionable Boston hotel. The seven g lasses were filled with ruby wine, which danced and scintillated as the ligh t from a dozen wax candles in the great chandelier, which stood in the center of the table, fell on the beautiful color of the grape juice. Capt. Markham stood looking at the wine and en-

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6 The Stranger's Prophecy. joying the ever-varying shades as it trembled in the glass. All awaited the new toast. "Death to all traitors!" Six glasses were raised, and the toast was about to be honored when a strange interrupfon occurred. The seventh man, who was apparently a stranger, leaned forward until his fai r hair was almost in dan i?"1;:r of being burned by the candles. "Will Capt. Markham define whom he means by traitors ?" The voice was soft and yet not effeminate. There was a strength of soul behind it which gave it force and weight. "Drink, good sir; the wine is good, and we will dis cuss definitions afterward," answered Markham. "That, captain, I cannot do. Your first toast was explicit. We honor King George and drink his health, but traitors--Zounds captain, the word is meaningless." "Then why refuse to drink?" The question was almost angrily expressed. "A passing humor, maybe. Come, captain, let thy mellifluous tongue d e fine thy meaning." The captain emptied his glass, an example the other five followed. The stranger still held the untouched wine in his hand, and waited, smilingly and calm, for a reply. "Good, sir, thy interruptioi;i is unseemly, as it is op posed to good manners, bi,tt thou art a stranger here, evidently.'-' "I am a stranger, yes, and yet I was born within a

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The Stranger's Prophecy. 7 stone's throw of where we meet. I am Boston born, though for some years my life has been spent in other parts." The speech disarmed resentment, and Capt. Markham, who was always ready to avail himself of an ex cuse to drink, again filled bis glass, and rising to his feet, bowed with a most courtly manner. "I drink to our better acquaintance," he said, and the wine disappeared very quickly down his throat. The stranger hoped the question of traitors would be dropped, and, therefore, tried to turn the conversation into social channels. "Does Boston possess as many pretty maidens as repute awards her?" he asked; and was answered by Maj. Alexander of the artillery : "The damsels a re pretty in their looks, pert in their manner, as piquant as sauce, but, by Jove, they are rebels, every one of them !" "Not so, major; I can vouch that a scarlet coat has great attractions for every girl in Boston, and there isn't one of them but would prefer an English soldier for a sweetheart, to the wealthiest colonist who is a rebel." "You speak with warmth, Capt. Firth," said Alex ander. "I speak as I feel. And England would have trouble very quickly if it wasn't for the fascination of a red coat." "Hush! Who knows but some 'Son of Liberty' may hear you!" A hearty laugh greeted Markham's remark. "Do you fear trouble?" asked Alexander.

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8 The Stranger's Prophecy. "No; we could easily make short work of the rebels. It is laughable; the Minute Men, as they call them selves, are drilling everywhere, and what weapons!it would make a pig laugh to see them. Old muskets that are heavy enough for cannon, rusty swords that would cut a sapling! It is absurd!" "I saw a better sight than that. I saw one of the drill sergeants-a country loon-teaching a lot of bumpkins how to march. The fellows did not know which was their left foot, so the sergeant had tied a whisp of straw round the left leg, and he kept shout ing, 'Straw leg, other leg, straw leg, other leg,' and their weapons-what think you they were? You can never guess-they were brooms. Ha, ha, ha !" The description of the drilling of a company of Min ute Men was most amusing, and was received with uproarious laughter. Capt. Markham ordered in more wine, and filled his glass, an example which was willingly followed. "These men, however ridiculous their actions, may some day cause trouble." It was the stranger who uttered the words. They were spoken calmly and with great delibera tion. A bomb falling into the midst of the company could hardly have produced a g reater shock. Markham laughed at the effect, though he had been startled by the solemnity of the tone adopted by the speaker. "Trouble, not a bit of it. Let them try; it would be great fun. Why, a volley of buckshot would be enough to scare the life out of them. Knock a few of them

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The Stranger's Prophecy. 9 over like tenpins, and there will be an end of all their drilling." As he finished speaking he raised his glass, and shaking it so that the ruby wine scintillated with rich c olors behind its crystal wall, he proposed a sentiment: "Confusion to the Minute Men and Sons of Liberty "Bravo, Markham! Your toasts are all patriotic. But why not let us have a change?" The stranger did not drink. His non-participation would not have been noticed ha d he not, in the same solemn manner as previously, a gain addressed them "The first drop of blood shed by the soldiers will l ight such a fire from Virginia to Maine that all the power of England cannot quench." The soldiers jumped to their feet and placed their h ands on their swords. "A rebel !" exclaimed Markham "No, Capt Markham, not a rebel, but a patriot. I honor King George, and would be a loyal subject; but h e is badly advised, and one day there may be an ap peal to arms--" "Hark An appeal to arms How funny! Swords against broomsticks. Ha, ha, ha !" "Laugh, gentlemen, while you may. Even a worm will turn, you know, and as the great bard once said: 'Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just,' so even the broomstick brigade may triumph." The officers did not want a quarrel, and were al ready a little ashamed of their impetuosity. They filled up their glasses, and in a calmer voice discussed the situation.

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10 The Stranger's Prophecy. "The people threw the tea into the sea, only last year, so I am told/' said the stranger. "Yes, they objected to paying a small tax, and threw the tea into the water; but what have they gained? The port of Boston is closed, and the business of the city ruined." "That reminds me," interrupted Maj. Alexander, "I was at a house on Tremont Street la st evening, and dang me, if a girl, as pretty as a Venus, didn t r e fuse to drink a cup of tea, because she was too patriotic to pay a tax to England." "A little blood-letting is the only thing," muttered Markham. "Take care. I f ea r me that trouble is coming. I am a man of peace gentlemen, but there are some wars which are justifiable, and it is well not to goad a people too far." The stranger left the room and walked upstairs to his own apartment. "Zounds the fellow is a rebel, but a well-spoken one," exclaimed Capt. Markham. "Who is he?" No one seemed to know; but as he was staying in the hotel. Capt. Markham sent for the waiter ... Who was that gent leman who left us just now?" "C
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The Stranger's Prophecy. II There was a general laugh at the peculiar expression on Markham's face as he uttered the words. The decanter was still nearly full, and again the glasses were filled, and the bellicose grenadier gave as a toast: "Here's to the speedy meeting with the broomstick brigade!" It was nigh midnight when the officers left the hotel and passed up Tremont Street on the way to the barr acks. "Do you think Gage means business?" asked Firth. "Yes. Zounds, man, we shall have a skirmish with the few who have guns, a march over the bodies of the broomstick brigade, and then the glorious flag of England will float over Boston and not one will dare mut t er a word against it." "I hope so, from my heart. But I shall hate fighting these colonists. It will be like killing one's fam ily. They are our kith and kin "There are bad members in every family, maj o r, and we must punish these refractory ones." "And there is no doubt of our success?" In the silence of the night, in the almost somber solitude of the streets, there rose a laugh so hearty that it echoed again and again along the street, cast back from house to house as though in mockery The street was deserted, not a pedestrian other than the military officers we have introduced to our readers was to be seen, yet in the shadow of the tall buildings a lad crept along. He had heard the conversation, and the laugh had grated on his ears.

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12 "The Sons of Liberty." "Laugh while you may. Old Funnell Hall has heard such lau g hs quite often, but a spirit has arisen there which will turn the laughter into sorrow." CHAPTER II. "THE SONS OF LIBERTY." The soliloquizer crept stealthily along until he reached a small alleyway. Down this he went and knocked three times on the oaken door at the end. He did not seem surprised that the door was not opened at once. He stood in the attitude of listenin g and heard two short, sharp knocks given on the inside of the door. He answered by three more taps, and the door flew open. ,i The place was dark, but the youth evidently knew the way. Not a word was spoken, thou g h it was plain that another walked there as well as the youth. Down some steps along another passage, and a door was reached. A peculiar s ignal was given, and the door was opened. The cellar-for such it was though as lofty as many rooms, stretched away under a large warehouse, and was lig hted by a s c o r e of tallow candles. There was a dim indistinctness about everything

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"The Sons of Liberty." 13 which gave the occupants almost a sepulchral or ghostly look. Nearly three dozen young men had assembled, and each greeted the newcomer with warmth. "Thou art welcome, Winthrop Tempest, welcome for thy own sake and for thy ancestors." "I would win your esteem for my own sake," an swered the lad, "though for a hundred years past my ancestors have held their own for patriotism." "Thou speakest truthfully. What news, Tempest?" He told of the jests and lau g hter he had heard, and then, lowering his voice, told them that Capt. Prescott was in the city. "Where?" "He is staying at the King's Head." "His heart is in the right place, and we may count on him." "I believe we may. If we had a thousand Prescotts we should not care for Gage and his redcoats." The speaker was a handsome youth, with just the faintest trace of down on his upper lip. His hair was dark, and his eyes flashed with a clear ness which sho w ed that his body, like his soul, was full of healthy vigor. He came of a good old stock. John Tempest was one of the Pilgrim fathers, and founded a family at Tempest Haven, which did much to build up the colo nies and make them feel independent. His son, Eben ezer, fought the Wampanoag, Philip of Mount Hope, to the death, while through his grandson the family of the Tempests was united with the heir of the Narragansetts, and the sturdy English blood was made

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"The Sons of Liberty." all the more pure and strong by the mixture with the Indian. And through a hundred years the Tempests were patriotic. Whe n, in 1773, trouble began to culminate, and the colonists saw that force mi ght have to settle the dis pute with th e moth e r country, youn g Winthrop T empest, then only nin e teen years of age l e ft his home and paid a visit to the city of Boston, so that he might be ready to unite with the patriots if an e m e r ge ncy arose. He was a handsome y outh, sturdy and stron g just the kind which flourished in those days, before the era of late hours, cigarettes and petty vices sapped away the health of our young men. Straight as an arrow, tall, with a clear complexion and bright eyes, he was admired by the girls and sought after by the young men of th e city. But he had but few companions-his whole soul was engrossed in the society known as "The Sons of Lib erty." After a littl e desultory conversation the men gathered in that c e llar procee ded to business. One who b y his manner was e v id e ntly a lawyer, occupied the ch a ir, and in a very t e mperate sp e ech maintained the ri ght of the colonies to govern them selves whil e reco gn izing alle gi ance to Kin g George. Resolutions w e re p a s s ed and a committee appointed to have them prop e rly engro s s e d and forwarded by the first ves s el to Eng land. When that p a rt of the meeting was over one of the number went round to each person to r e ceive the pass word.

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"The Sons of Liberty." Satisfied that all present weri;: Sons of Liberty, the men formed into line and went through the drill. After marching and countermarching, and practicing with dummy guns, the commanding officer ordered a dress parade. "Attention! Company A to the front!" About a dozen men stepped forward, and it was then noticed that young Winthrop Tempest was cap tain. With true soldier-like precision he gave the commands: "Carry arms!" "Order arms I" "Parade r est !" The men, unused to the tactic s of drill, were a little awkward at first, but after several attemp ts succeeded in performing their task with as easy precision as old veterans Company B followed, and the remainder formed a third c ompany. It wa'S''at siplericfi:d of them. Night after night the same performance was gone thr ough, not only there, but in a dozen other places in the city, and the E n g lish authorities were left in e n tir e ignorance of the drilling, so secretly was it performed. "Disp e rse !" It would have be e n unwise for all to have left in a body, so the dispersing occupied very nearly an hour. T empest and a man named Percival left last, and ann in arm walked down the street, conversing on the all-prevailin g topic of the day-the likelihood that

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Fanning the Flame. England was about to use force to subjugate the colonies. "Hush!" It was Percival who spoke. His quick ears had dis tinguished the regular tramp of soldiers' feet. "The guard!" muttered Tempest. The two Sons of Liberty, still arm in arm, staggered along, falling against each other and enacting the part of drunken men. The guard approached. "Halt!" "Wash you shay?" "Halt, you fellows !" "Ish that sthand still?" asked Percival. The captain of the guard held his lantern uncom fortably close to their faces as he inspected them. "Drunken roysterers," he muttered to himself, and aloud he added : "Get home quickly, or I'll have you locked in the guardhouse." The guard passed on, and our friends congratulated themselves on the fancied success of their ruse. CHAPTER III. FANNING THE FLAME. Not far from the Old North Church, whose quaint and rude architecture told of the early work of the Puritans, was a vacant lot. Three men, with clothes so poor that not a junkman

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Fanning the Flame. would have paid two shillings for them, were going throug h the evol utions of drill. It was so dark that it was only by sound that the one who gave the commands knew that the other two performed the evolutions correctly. So absorbed were they that they did not hear the approach of the guard. The little company of soldiers entered the lot, and ordered the three to surrender. The men, not caring to be taken to the guardhouse, attempted to escape Two managed to reach the narrow, crooked st reet, and to get away The third was not so fortunate, for he was ca ptured, and as strongly guarded as though he was a most dan gerous enemy The l o t was searched, and an old musket was found. It was worthless Its lock was broken, and the bar r e l bent "Treason!" cri e d the captain, when it was shown to him. Turning to his prisoner, and holding the lantern up to his face, he asked his name. "Nathaniel Wise." "Where do you come from ?" "I'm a Bosto n boy, your honor, and live not far fro m old Faneuil." "What were yo u doing here, you ragged rap scalion ?" "I was going home, your honor, and took a short cut across Jots." "What made you throw your gun away?"

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18 Fanning the Flame. "I didn't. It wasn't mine." "You will be hanged for this!" exclaimed the cap tain, with almost savage glee. "I'm a poor, harmless fellow--" the man com menced. "Are you? Well, we will clip your wings for you!" The man was bound hand and foot, and so rendered helpless. The captain struck him across the face, and the members of the guard hit him with their muskets, or kicked his shins most unmercifully. "Traitor we will show you how we serve those who want to fight a gainst the king." "But I am loyal. I--Mercy! don't hit me. I'll swear I love the king! The gun isn't mine. Mercy! don't kill me!" Blow after blow descended on the man's body, until he was nearly insensible. The soldiers were infuriated. Their victim was evi dently poor and friendless. It was not at all likely that any questions would be asked, even if he were killed. All the evil in their natures came to the surface. They were half intoxicated, and had become brutal. It was sport to them to see the poor victim writhe and groan. One of the men suggested tarring and feathering. The idea was accepted with enthusiasm. Two of the soldiers were dispatched to find the mate rials for the work, while the others stood round, tormenting their victim.

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Fanning the Flame. 19 "Sing a Continental song, or I'll kill you," said the sergeant. "I-I--don't-know-any." "Then you shall die. Here, Jabez, run him through with your bayonet." "Mercy! I'll do anything. Don't kill me!" "Sing, then, and quickly." "!--don't--" "Run him through, Jabez ." The steel blade was unpleasantly near the poor fel low's body, and he cried out for mercy. "Sing, then-you traitorous rebel-sing !" With tremulous voice and fear-shaken body, the poor fellow sang : "All those who would be free, Out they go; But the slaves, as you will see, Stay to drink the English tea Down below." "Enou gh, you have convicted yourself. Say your pra yers, for you must die." "Mercy, you promised I should-I-I--" The man could not utter another word; he fairly brok e down, and wept like a child. The two soldiers had returned. One bore a pail of molasses-he could not get any tar-and the other a feather pillow, both confiscated from a little grocery store which they had forcibly op ened. The man's clothes were stripped from him to the waist and the molasses poured over him.

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Fanning the Flame. Then the pillow was ripp ed open and the feathers showered over his body, while the soldiers laughed, and the man shrieked. "What means these shrieks?" asked Percival, his ears havin g det ected a man's c ries in the distance. 'Tis a woman, as I'm alive." "Do you think so ?" "A woman's voice; let us hurry." "Which direction ?" "Near the Old North, I fancy." The two men ran as fast as the uneven pavement would allow them. On their way they overtook another, who was hurrying in the same direction "Where are you going?" asked the stranger. "Don't you hear the shrieks?" "Yes, murder is being done." "Come, then, ere it is too late." The three re a ched the vacant lot just as the feathers had been bestrewn over the sticky molasses. Armed with no weapons but h eavy canes, the three laid about them w ith such zest that th e fri g htened sol diers, who realized that they had exceeded their duty, and were afraid of being reco g nized, ran away, bruised and sore. Their victim was delirious. "I'll sing, indeed I will, your honor--" and again he started singing: "Yankee do o dle, keep it up, Yankee d o od l e dandy; I'll poi s o n with a tax your cup, Yankee do odle dandy."

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Fanning the Flame. '.21 "Poor fellow, they have driven him mad. We mus t take care of him." But the man seemed to realize that the soldiers had gone, and snatching up the rags which had been stripped from him, he leaped the fence and was soon out of sight "Young men, a few such outrages as this and Eng land will goad the people into a mad frenzy." "Might I know to whom we are speaking?" James Percival inquired. "I am William Prescott of Pepperell," answered the stranger, "and may I know your names, for it is an honor to meet with such valiant defenders of lib erty "I am Winthrop Tempest, of Tempest Haven. "What? Give me your hand, my boy I knew your father well ; he was my comrade under Winslow And you?" turnin g to Percival. "I am James Percival." "Any kin to James Percival of Lexington?" "His son." "That accounts for it. Blood will tell. Brave sons of brave fathers. Young men, you may yet be needed to strike a blow for liberty and ind epende nce Come to my hotel with me ; the ni ght is far spent, and I would know more of such gallant youths No thought of sleep entered their minds To spend a night with Capt. Prescott was better than many hours of slumber The trio reached the King's Head, and Prescott, who had a night key, opened the door and led the way to his suite of rooms

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CHAPTER IV. JEALOUS THREATS. Two or three evenings after the events r ecorded in our last chapter, young Tempest walked quietly along King Street into Tremont. He slackened his pace as he entered the fashionable street, for he was about to call on one of the leading families there, and he was bashful. Over a year before he had paid a flying visit to the city, and had been intrr duced to Maurice Gardner, a merchant, who had grown so affluent that he had erected a magnificent residence on Tremont Street. Mr. Gardner had known Tempest's father, and promised to be a friend to the youth if ever he should visit t he "Hub. A most delightful time was spent by him with the Gardners, perhaps rendered more enjoyable from the fact that the merchant had three lovely daughters. The youngest was about the same age as Tempest, and was a most fascinating maiden. Winthrop had seen but little of the world at that time, and had been smitten with Dorothy's charms For over a year he had not seen her, but her image was still imprinted on his soul, and he often reproached himself for not calling. He had been in the city for two months, and had sev era l times resolved that he would surely renew his acquaintance with the Gardner family.

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Jealous Threats. 23 But on March the fifth he had attended a meeting at the Old South Church, on the fifth anniversary of the Boston massacre, and had listen ed to the eloquen ce of Gen. Warren, which kindled in him a patriotic fer vor, which for the time banished from his mind thoughts of lo ve But at last he resolved on payin g his visit. He wondered how he would be rec e ived, and with his wonderment came a fear that Dorothy had for gotten him. Perhaps that was one reason why his steps were so slow. The house was reached, and Tempest's heart was beating so fast that he dare not enter. He passed further up the street, and then returned. Gardner's house was a lar ge wooden structure, with imposing balustrades and Corinthian pillars in front, and a spacious garden and orchard reaching from the house to Tremont Street. The back grounds extended up to Pemberton Hill. Tempest walked up the drive, which was shaded by splendid trees, and raised the heav y brass knocker. A sound of laughter greeted his ears, and all bash fulness returned. He would have retir e d even then, but the door was opened and retreat was too late. "Winthrop Tempest, as I'm a livin g sinner!" ex claimed Mr. Gardner, who was passing throuo-h the hall at the time. "Why, my boy, you are as welcome as sunshine after a storm. Come in come in !" Such a hearty welcome overcame much of his bash fulness.

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Jealous Threats. "When did you arrive?" The question was the very last Tempest hoped would be asked, but he was spared the necessity of an swering by his ho st, who opened the parlor door, and in hearty tones bade him enter. "Dorothy, my dear, my young friend-our young friend-Tempest is here." Mrs. Gardner, who was the Dorothy addressed, was as hearty in her greeting as her husband. The young ladies, Ruth, Mary and Dorothy, were again introduced, and Tempest saw that the face of the latter was a very vivid crimson, which almost equaled his own blushes. She had evidently not forgotten him. A gentleman was seated o n the other side of the room and Mr. Gardner c a lled to him. "Prescott, he is the son of an old friend of mine-a regular chip of the old block." "I am pleased to again meet Mr. T em pest." "Again?" "Yes, sir," said Tempest. "I am proud to say that I have already met Capt. Prescott." "You are just in time, T empest We have been havin g a most i nteresting discussion. Dolly"-the father's pet name for his youngest dau ghter-"will not t ake a cup of tea, though her sisters and mothe r think would do her so much good." "Indeed? And does not Miss Dorothy like the bev erage?" asked Tempest. "Yes, indeed, Mr. Tempest," answer e d the girl, "I think it the most delightful beverage ever introdu ced." "Then some wei ghty reason actuates you."

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Jealous Threats. "Dolly thinks it too English to drink tea." "It is not that, Ruth, yo u know it is not; but so long as England taxes us if we drink tea, I am not going to use it." "There's a model patriot for you, Tempest. It would have warmed up your father's heart, had he been alive, to have heard that speech." "Indeed it would, sir. I think Miss Dorothy is quite right." "Of course you do Now Dolly will be more ob stinate than ever," Ruth asserted Why was it that Dolly blushed so as her sister spoke? Perhaps for the same reason that Tempest's face was also flushed. "I don't care. You always tease me," said Dolly; "but I think it unpatriotic to drink tea." "More so than dancing with Capt. Markham?" asked Ruth, mischievously. "I don't pay taxes when I dance "No, but you encourage the English." "It was only once, and at a public ball," replied Dolly, her face becoming more crimson than ever. "Do not tease her so," int er jected Mrs. Gardner. "You know she does not like it." "I hate the sold i ers, so there. I wis h we had our own soldiers, then we should not mind." "The Minute Men, for instance," suggested her father "The Minute Men are patriots They are Amer icans, and I lo ve them, everyone."

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Jealous Threats. "Thank you, Miss Dorothy; I am one of the Minute Men," exclaimed Tempest, boldly. "I did not mean individually-I-I--" She was floundering about in a sea of perplexity, a :i d knew she was making matters worse. Capt. Prescott adroitly changed the conversation, and it was well that he did so, for the servant announced Capt. Markham almost that instant. Poor Tempest was suffering all the pangs of jeal ousy as he saw the grenadier bend over Dorothy as he took her hand, and he felt that he would like to shoot him on the spot as he saw him raise her fingers to his lips. But he did the same-which was, after all, only the courtly manner and custom of the day-as each of the others welcomed him. Markham hated Tempest as soon as he saw him. He bit his mustache and clinched his hands for a minute, wondering where he had heard the name be fore. A smile flittered round his mouth as he suddenly remembered. "You were out very late the other night," he said, maliciously. "I ?" "Yes; the officer of the watch reported that he met a young man named Tempest walking-um-er-yes, walking arm in arm with a roysterer." "Sir !" "It is nothing; boys will be boys, you know-eh, Mr. Gardner? They will sow their wild oats-asking the young ladies' pardon for mentioning such a subject."

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Jealous Threats. "Sir, you forget yo urself; I--" Prescott took his friend 's arm and adroitly called his attention to a painting of a farmer sowing wheat. "Capt. Markham evidently referred to the picture," he said, and thus opened another channel of conver sation. In a low voice he advised Tempest to let the affair drop. p "Don't make him an enemy; he is a friend of Gard ner, and you will meet soon enough on the battlefield." "The sooner the bett er." "Do not be angry. Let the cause of our country be predominant." "I see that Capt. Prescott drinks the taxed tea," sneered Markham. "I like it, Mr. Prescott, but Dolly will not drink the beverage. She is too patriotic, and I am not so sure but she is right." Tempest had succeeded in drawing Dolly to the other end of the large parlor, and recalled to her mind some of the pleasant rambles of a year before. "I thought you had forgotten," she whispered. "As if I could ever forget the happiest time in my life." "Are you really one of the Minute Men?" "I am a Son of Liberty." "I am so glad "Are you? Do yo u really care?" he asked, earnestly. "I do believe me I wish every man was patriotic enou g h to join them." "They soon would be Miss Dorothy, if all the ladies were as patriotic as you are."

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28 Jealous Threats. "Do you think so?" "I am sure of it You know that so ma n y of the ladies accept attentions from the soldiers--" "Do they? I--Capt. Markham, how you startled me!" The grenadier had, with almost catlike tread, crossed the room, and stood quite near them, yet in such a position that they could not say he was illmannered. "I call, Miss Dorothy, to ask if you would accept tickets for a garrison entertainment to-morrow evening at Faneuil Hall." "I am much obliged to you, captain, but you should speak to my sisters." Tempest had withdrawn, and Markham took advantage of his opportunity "It is you, M i s s Dorothy, who would shed effulgence over the scene." "What nonsense you society officers utter. Why cannot you talk like other people?" she replied, almost ungraci ous I y. "I spoke as I felt. I shall be so happy to see you and your sisters present." "My sisters may go if you a s k them, but I really must plead a prior engagement She spoke so coldly and formally that the gallant captain was nonplused. In his h eart he had bitter feelin g s against Tempest, for he was jealous, and under his breath he muttered: "Take care, young rebel. I may see an opportunity to get you han ged as a traitor. I'll watch you, never fear, and-well, take care

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CHAPTER V. THE FIRST VOLLEY OF THE REVOLUTION. The military governor of Massachusetts, Gen. Gage, was determined to at once crush disaffection by force As soon as the patriots of Boston heard the inten tions of Gen Gage, they concealed their arms and am munition in cartloads of rubbish, and conveyed them to Concord, sixteen miles away. Gage issued a proclamation offering a reward for the capture of John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Although the plans of the general were so secret, James Percival learned of them, and hurried away to the residence of Gen. Joseph Warren. Warren saw that the hour had come for a blow to be struck. He called to his aid Paul Revere and William Dawes. "Saddle the best horses you can get and ride with all speed to Lexington, and spread the alarm through the country." Another was commissioned to climb Beacon Hill and fire the beacon, but Gage had counted on that move, and had a squad of soldiers guarding the beacon. At midnight a regiment of eight hundred men, un der command of Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn, set out for Concord. But the patriots were ready. Paul Revere had done his work well. Beacon fires were lighted on the hills, horns were blown.

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30 The First Volley of the Revolution. Men were dragged from their beds to shoulder their guns. "Wake up, fellow, the hour has come!" was the cry shouted in the sleeper's ears. And without a murmur, but with a glad cry of joy, the Minute Men responded to the appeal. Midnight had passed two hours, when a company of a hundred and thirty Minute Men had assembled on Lexington Common. No sign of the British was manifest. The Minute Men loaded their guns and stood ready. No soldiers appeared and the patriots determined to s e parate and reassemble at the drum beat The hours passed away. The brave young Minute Men were full of enthu siasm. It was the general opinion that no shots would be fired, but that the soldiers would withdraw when they saw that the people were ready to resist by force. At four o'clock the heavy tramp of armed men was heard. The van was led by Maj. Pitcairn. Nearer and ne a rer the soldiers got to Lexington Common. Cannons w e re fir e d by the patriots, firearms discharg ed bonfires r e l ig ht ed. As if by magic th e hills were at once illuminated. The people, g oad e d to d e speration, had felt the divine affiatus, and pined for liberty. The y realized that only force could settle the dis pute, but hoped that the show of resistance would put off the evil day.

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The First Volley of the Revolution 3 I Meanwhile the English army had halted about a mile from Lexington Pitcairn knew well the value of a brief rest before the more active duties of a battle were undertaken "You must stand firm, men ; show these rebels that England can crush them in a few minutes You may not have to fire a shot, but if you do, aim low. Let every shot tell." At half-past four came the order to march. Pitcairn placed himself at the head of the men, and rode along as if the whole affair was a triumphal march. When within sight of the common there rose a long and continuous drum beat. Seventy Minute Men, with the brave Capt Parker at their head, responded to the summons, and stood, guns in hand, awaiting the soldiers "Do not be rash, men. It is for your country and liberty." Maj. Pitcairn rode up to the Minute Men. He did not halt until his charger was almost within a gun's length. Such courage was contagious. "Disperse, ye villains !" he shouted. "Throw d own your arms, ye rebels, and disperse!" The Minute Men stood firm. Not a man moved. All were ready to die at their posts, if need be, but not one would stir until their leader gave the order. Pitcairn gave the order in a loud voice: "Fire!" A ringing volley whistled thro1 gh the air.

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The Battle of Lexington. The first volley of the Revolution had been fired. Sixteen of the patriots fell dead or wounded. At that instant Paul Revere rode up. "Stand firm, men, the Sons of Liberty are coming." CHAPTER VI. THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. Paul Revere uttered the cheering words, but the Con tinentals were wise enough to pay no heed to them. Had they waited for reinforcements not a man of them would have remained alive. Revere was an enthusiast, as brave as he was patriotic, but he had arrived on the scene too late to un derstand the position. For a moment the Minute Men stood-they did not reload. Another volley from Pitcairn's men was fired. Capt. Firth, of the light infantry, saw the effect, and with magnificent daring rushed up to Pitcairn, who was his superior. "This is murder !" he shouted, and turning his face to the soldiers, who were making ready to again fire, he continued: "This is not war! Stop, I entreat you; let these men go to their homes." "Capt. Firth, will you mind your own business, or am I to order you under arrest?" angrily retorted the old major of marines.

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The Battle of Le xingt on. 33 "Under arrest, i f you like, Maj Pitcairn, but I sha ll demand a trial, and will show that we are guilty of murder." They were brave words coming from an English soldier, and they had their effect The Minute Men were allowed to retire while the two officers were arguin g Capt. Firth was as true a soldier and as much an opponent of the Continentals as his superior, but he was also a Christian, and did not believe in shooting down practically unarmed men Pitcairn was angry, but the enemy had disappeared, and he had no occasion to order his men to again fire. The soldiers wanted to fire after the retreating Con tinentals, and would have done so had not Pitcairnnow cool and collected-ordered them to desist, and in some cases actually beating down th eir arms. The drums beat the order to form, and the soldiers were once again ready to march. Pitcairn, knowing that there would be much to try the temper of his men during the day, wisely called a halt for breakfa s t. With true military pride the officers gave the com mand. A soldie r is never contented long during times of peace. He wants an enemy, his trade is war, and nothing warms his blood or enthuses his heart so quickly as a brush with an enemy. After a good hearty breakfast had been disposed of, the order to march was given.

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34 The Battle of Lexington The general had ordered the soldiers to march to Concord and destroy the stores. Concord was an important place, inasmuch as the Congress of Provincial Delegates met there. With bands playing and banners flying, the English troops marched out of Lexington along the high road to Concord. No one opposed them. Capt. Firth was accompanied by an English friend who had only been in America a few months. So little did Gen and Gov. Gage think that the Continentals would oppose th e troops by force of arms, that he allow ed the officers to take their friends with them, and had they been so minded they could have been accompanied by their wives. "It was a brutal mistake," said Firth, speaking to his friend, whose name was Medlicot, about the Lexington affray "Why do you think so?" "The people were unarmed, or nearly so; they should have been tre ated as rioters, not rebel s ." "But think yo u not that the people-these Americans-are in earnest?" asked Medlico t. "In earnest-yes; but th ey will confine their opposi tion to comm ercial measures." "Why do you think so?" "They are not stro n g enough to fight. They have no army. Why, I have seen them drilling, and in place of guns they had broomstic ks, and their officers had wooden swords. As for fieldpieces, I don't think they could find a half a dozen all told." "Still enthusiasm will do much."

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The Battle of Lexington. 35 "You are right, but we cannot fight such unequal forces. It is like murder. I heard that even wom en we r e drilling in Concord." "It would be hard lines to have to shoot down women." "I would not do it. I should throw up my commis sion ; but there will be no fighting." "I am afraid you are wrong. I think these people are in earnest, and that they will not hesitate even to sacrifice their lives in their enthusiasm ." "But they have no officers-at least, only a very few." "But those few can instruct others." "My dear Medlicot, I almost believe you are a Con tinental yourself." "No. I am English to the backbone, but if I were going to live here I should join the rebels, as you call them, for they are in the right." "Treason !" "Call it so Hard words won't hurt anyone Is it not true that England has tried to abrogate the charter of Massachusetts, as she has sought to destroy the coloni al councils ?" "It is dangerous, or at l eas t un wise, to talk like that, Medlicot. You will see that our march through the countr y will be a triumphant one." "But what abou t the return?" Firth laughed loudly at the insinuation, but made no reply "Do you know why the rebel soldiers-ha, ha, ha!c all themselves M inut e Men?" he asked "No."

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The Battle of Lexington. "Because they only stand a minute and then fly," answered Firth, and again laughed at his poor attempt at wit. As the soldiers marched through the country they met with no resistance. At times they would see a few armed men, but they took no notice of the soldiers, and disappeared almost as soon as seen. Jests and sneers were indulged in by the English soldiers. The colonists were called cowards, their officers branded as incapables. Several times during the march a soldier caused a laugh by suddenly stopping, striking an attitude of de fiance and mimicking Paul Revere, shouted: "Stand firm, the Sons of Liberty are coming!" Sneering and jesting, the soldiers entered Concord. The city was deserted. Only a very few men remained, and they were peaceable and mostly aged. A detachment of the in fantry was sent to guard the North Bridge over the Concord River. The rema:n
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The Battle of Lexington. 37 It was a scene of w ild debauchery and inhuman cruelty The officers did not interfere. ,. .:_ Capt. Firth had been sent to the North Bridge, or he might have raised his voice as a humane man. In the midst of the exultation a fear smote every heart. A few shots were heard They were only scattering, but a moment later a sharp, r inging volley succeeded, then the air became heavy with the noise of a sharp c onflict. The firing was so regular that only drilled men could be using muskets. The i ncessant volleying came from the directio n of the North Bridge. A number of Minute Men had attempted to enter Concord, but had been fired upon by the soldiers at the bridge. The Minute Men returned the fire, and stormed the bri dge The Eng lish lost two officers and a number of so l diers, while the Minute Men did not miss a single man. The English were compelled to give way. With steady determination the Minute Men followed them and drove them in a disorganized condition into the town. The drums beat, and the order to retreat was given. The flower of the English army of occupation had to acknowledge the courage of the Minute Men, a t whom they had sneered, and whose homes they had pillaged and destroyed.

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The Battle of Lexington. They had six miles to return, and in that six miles they could not count on a friend. Pitcairn uttered a fierce array of oaths as he found himself compelled to retreat. The Minute Men were assembling in every direction. Signal guns were fired and beacons lig hted. For six miles the English had to fight against well protected foes. From every barn, every fence wall, from the shelter of trees and rocks came volleys of shots poured into the ranks of the now disorganized English. At Lexington a regim en t of nine hundred men un der the command of Lord Percy met the flying sol diers. "Halt! Are you English soldiers?" cried Percy. "Do you show your backs to a lot of half-starved peas ants?" The words had a momentary effect. The soldiers tri ed to reform, and good discipline was enforced, but the Americans were elated, and charged the English again and again. The English were driven into Charlestown, hotly contestin g every inch of ground. "We had better surrender," said Capt. Markham, whose regiment of Grenadiers had suffered heav ily. Lord Percy, the son of the Earl of Northumberland, looked at the speaker with disdain. "We must get into Boston to-ni g ht." "Can we do it?" asked Pitcairn "We must, or we shall be prisoners." The war rolled on. Every bit of ground was stained with blood. The

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The Battle of Lexington. 39 struggles were often hand to ha nd, an d bo t h side s showed c onsiderable coura ge. "If only the Americans had a plan of c on c er t ed ac tion," said Percy, "we could not reach Boston "fl est magnifique !" exclaimed an enthusiast ic Frenchman, who strong l y s y mpathized with the Ame r ic ans. The English officer bit his lips, but did not rep l y Capt Markham was not quite so guar ded, for he did mutter something like a c u rse on Frenc h an d Americans alike. The E n g lish army entered Boston. It had left w i th bapners fly ing, i t re-entere d with th em furled. The soldier s had marched out gayly, sure ,of meeting with n o thin g but success, but they r e turned d e f e ated a n d in r etreat Bands were playing Eng lish airs, and the soldie rs wal ked with heads ere ct, and brows flu s hed with p r ide, now the bands were silent, and the flower of Englan d' s c olonial army with sadly diminish e d numbers, had t o a cknowled ge that unarmed p e asants had beaten them The Englis h had los t two hundred and seventy three, while the Am e ricans only counted a d e ficiency of forty nine kill e d and thirty four mi ss in g A n d in o ld Faneuil H all th e c row ds a s s e mbled and cheered for liberty, while the younger ones s ang "Yankee Doodle

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CHAPTER VII IN KING'S CHAPEL. Not even the high anointed hand of Heaven can authorize c:>ppression, give a law for lawle ss power, wed fait h to viola tion, on reason build misrule, or justly bind allegiance to it:1j ustice. Tyranny absolves all faith; and who invades our rights, howe'er his own commence, can never be but an usurper. -Brooke. From the pulpit of King's Chapel arose to Heaven's throne prayers for the success of the army. Gov. Gage sat in his pew, and round him were scar let-coated warriors. It was Sunday morning, and the clergyman preached a doctrine pleasing to the English who filled the King's Chapel. King George was lauded as being God's anointed; those who opposed him were servants of the evil one. The English ministers, who were the real enemies of the united colonies, were classed with the apostles, and in the excess of zeal the English clergyman com pared the king to the Savior. So strong was the sermon that it provoked a strange manifestation. A low but distinct voice was heard in opposition. "It is blasphemy!" Strange words to come from a pew, addressed to the pulpit in the midst of holy service. The clergyman paused.

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In King's Chapel. The officers pl a ced their hands on their swords. Who could the daring interrupter be? 41 Had it been in Old North or Old South Meeting House, such an interruption might have been expected, for Sons of Liberty and Minute Men were congregated there. But it was in the fashionable church, the official place of worship, and in the presence of his excellency, the military governor of the province. The clergyman recovered his presence of mind and rep eated the words: "My hou se shall be called the house of prayer--" "But not of blasphemy," came from the pew. The speaker bolder than ever, stood up. By his side the re stood a young woman, her face as beautiful as some of the pictured angels on the wall near the altar. In the pew were three other women, but they remained seated As the officers looked round one of them muttered: "Maurice Gardner !" The merch a nt, one of the richest men in Boston, was the daring interrupter. "By what authority dost thou abrogate to thyself the right to brawl in God's holy house?" asked the cler gyman "The authority of a clear conscience For from the pulpit thou art preachin g the commandments of sin ful men, instead of the doctrines of God." The service was stopped. Instantly there arose a cry from all sides: "Turn him out."

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In King's Chapel. "To the guardhouse with him !" Half a dozen soldiers drew their swords, and with precipitate haste rushed at the merchant and his daugh ter, Dorothy. But from near the door two citizens came, and ere the soldiers reached the pew where sat the merchant's family, Winthrop Tempest and James Percival stood before Gardner with drawn swords. "Touch this worthy citizen," exclaimed Tempest, "and blood will be shed in God's house." The suggestion was appalling. Gov. Gage called the soldiers away, and in a loud voice declared that the civil power should deal with the brawler on the morrow. Maurice Gardner left the church, followed by his family. "Papa, how could you do it?" exclaimed his eldest daughter, Ruth. "They will put you in prison." "Better be in prison for truth, my dear, than a free man and suffer injustice to prevail." "You did quite right, papa, and if you had not spoken I think I should." That was Dorothy who spoke, and Winthrop Tempest took her hand in his and pressed it, by way of thanks. "You would not have dared," said Mary. "Would I not? Then, sister, you do not know me. I saw papa rise .or I should have done so. Had we been in the Old North I should have spoken." The King's Chapel was the only house of worship at that time where the sexes sat together.

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In King's Chapel. 43 In all others the men occupied the seats to the right, the women on the left of the pulpit. "Dost thou know James Percival?" asked Tempest, addressing Mary. "The honor hath not been bestowed on me," she answered, in the quaint language of the time. Percival was n o thing loath to appropriate sweet Mary Gardner, while Ruth walked with her father and mother. "What dost thou think of the stand our people made at Lexington?" asked Dorothy. "It was glorious. Sometimes I have lain awake at nights, and thou ght that a d a y might c ome when the provir.ces might be a separate nation, with its own congress and its own flag." "And king?" su g gested Dorothy. "No, dear Dorothy, we want no king; we would have the people rule, through the lawmakers they elect." "How nice I have dreamed something like that, too." "Have you, Dolly?" She blushed as she heard the pet name, but made no objection to its use. "Yes, Mr. Temp e st." "Mister Tempe st, indeed! If you are my Dolly, I mu s t be your Winthrop." He pre s sed her h a nd again ; perhaps there was some magnetism in the touch, for she never called him "mister" again. "Yes, Winthrop."

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44 In King's Chapel. "Say that again, I never thought my name sounded so well." "Winthrop, and I have thought of you in the Prov ince House as our governor." He bent his head so that his lips were not far from her ear. "With you as the governor's wife," he whispered. "How can you ?" The question was almost med. ningless. "How can you?" What did she mean? Was it that the insinuation was pleasant, or the re verse, to her ? She did not withdraw her hand, so we may surmise that the suggestion did not offend her. Very sweet was that walk and conversation to Tempest. He knew that the times were grave, and that soon he might be facing the soldiers, gun in hand, his life in jeopardy. Almost as soon as Maurice Gardner reached his splendid residence, a number of people were there. The news of the interruption in the church had reached all parts of th e city, and the B o stonians loved the merchant for the bold st a nd he h a d t a k en. He was told that a meetin g h a d been called in Faneuil Hall t o d o him e s peci a l h o n o r, and a s fellow citizens they hoped he would attend.

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CHAPTER VIII. IN FANEUlL HALL, Let the s ound of traffic di e : Shut the mill gate, leave the stall, Fling the ax and hammer by, Throng to Faneuil Hall! -Whi ttier. The meridian had been passed by Old Sol some three hours, when crowds of people might have been seen crossing the little swinging bridge over the inlet from the harbor, and into the square beyond. The buildings in the square were gloomy looking, low, irregular in their architecture, and had the ap pearance of being uninhabited. But on the one side close to the little clock stood a long, narrow building of two stories, surmounted by a cupola. The building was of brick, ornamented with pilasters. The lower story was used as a market, and its abut ments and arches supported the upper story, whose sides were perforated with arched windows. Such was Faneuil Hall in 1775, the hall which James Otis had chri s tened in 1763, "The Cradle of Lib e rty." Within a few minutes the large room was crowded. The battle of Lexington was the topic of the hour. "We will serve Gage and the Eng lish as we served the tea," shouted a stalwart American near the ros trum. "Drive them into the sea."

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In Faneuil Hall. "Men, you have kindled a fire which cannot be put out while English soldiers hold our city," exclaimed an other. Then there was a tumult, for Maurice Gardner had been recognized. How a way was made through the crowd none could tell, but instantly a passage was opened, and between the living walls the sturdy merchant walked promptly to the end of the hall. "I want no honor for what I said. I only spoke for myself--" "No, for me." "Yes, and count me." A thousand voices gave assent, and the merchant continued: "I went to the King's Chapel to worship. My father and mother lie side by side in the burial ground and I have worshiped there all my life. To-day I was told that God wished me to be the slave of England, and I could not stand it." A hearty cheer burst from the crowd. And when Capt. Prescott ascended the rostrum he fired the enthusiasm of the Bostonians. "Men, the time is high at hand when you must l eave the factories, leave the anvil, let the plow rest, and give a f ew days or weeks to your country. We have t aken the sword, and by it we must achieve inde pendence." There was a solemn silence for a few moments. Some few had thought of ind ependence but the ma jority had only imagined the right of selecting their own governors, judges and officials, but without ques-

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In Faneuil Hall. 47 tioning the prerogatives of the king and English Parliament. When Prescott mentioned the word it was a shock to them. The younger were the first to see its meaning, and when they did they made the old hall echo and re-echo with their cheers. Winthrop Tempest leaped upon the platform. Every one wondered what he was about to do. At the back of the stage the English flag was draped It was the flag of the colonies as well as of England. Tempest pulled it down. A gasp-almost a groan-burst from the people. All watched the daring youth with their breath suppressed. It was the crisis of a great movement. Tempest's face was pale as that of a corpse. But his hands did not tremble, his lower limbs were steady and firm. With the flag held before him he advanced to the front. "Men of Boston, descendants of the men who founded Shamut, men whose forefathers fought and bled for liberty, say shall we have a flag of our ownan American flag-or shall we keep the flag of that tyranny whose myrmidons shot down our brothers on Lexington Common? Which shall it be? Shall yve have a new flag--" "Ay !" "Independence forever !"

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In Faneuil Hall. Tempest, with histrionic ability, apostrophized the English flag: "Thou didst float over the vessels loaded with the heavily taxed tea Under thy folds Pitcairn fired his pistol at Lexington. Under thy cross the cannons were fired, th e soldi ers char ged and the gage of war was thrown down, our only alternative war or slavery." He threw the flag to the floor and stood upon it. The cheers which rose from th e people were deafening. Only one was heard in deprecation. "It is Sunday--" commenced the objector. "And the c ause of liberty is sacred; it is the cause of religion," answered Tempest. For the first time independence had been openly ad vocated. And the seed sown was not on barren soil. "It was in Funnel Hall," said a Bostonian, "and old Funnel is the cradle of liberty." The sentiment was cheered, and the p eop le were enthu sed with the ideas promulgated by Tempest. But there was one thing they forg-ot. They were traitors now, not mere opponents of England, and the English were in possession of the city.

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CHAPTER I X THE UPRISING. Behold the Cerberus the Atlantic plow, Her precious cargo, Burgoyne, Clinton, Howe Bow! wow! wow! -English Gentlenian' s Magazine While sec retly delighted at the valor and c ou rage displayed by young Tempest, the leaders of the Son s of Liberty saw that he was in danger At any time he might be captured, and perhaps, a f te r the farce of a trial, hanged for treason. This would be such a blow to the cause that m i ght be fatal. Prescott suggested that Tempest should be sent on a special mission to the other provinces. This would remove him from immediate dange r o f arrest, though it would expose him to other danger s which might be equally fatal. Tempest accepted the mission and arranged to l eave the city on the following morning. He spent an hour that Sunday evening with Doroth y Gardner. In the quaint language of the time he told he r o f the dangers he would have to encounter, and asked i f she would be true to him. "When I am far away, Mistress Dorothy, how swee t it would be to look at the stars and know that thy dear eyes were gazing on them at the same time."

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50 The Uprising. "I will hi e to the garden each ni ght at this hour," answered Dorothy. "See yon star! dost know its name?" "Nay, Winthrop, I am not versed in the knowledge of the heavens." "'Tis Venus." "The star of love?" whispered Dorothy. Yes ev e n s o, and each ni g ht wh e r e'er I be, unless in dungeon vile, I will speak to thee, Dorothy, through the twinkling of yon star." He had take n her hand in his. He toyed with her fingers and pre ssed them gently. "Dost thou love me, sweet Dolly?" "I love thee, because thou lovest our country." "And not because I love thee?" "It may be so The time came for parting. "Some token of thy love must I have," he said; "some ribbon thou ha s t worn." She took her wai s t ribbon and gave it into his hand. "I will wear it o'er my heart," he said, gallantly, "and if the bullet of an enemy should se e k the fountain of life, it mu s t fir s t pi e rc e this precious ribb o n." He kissed the s ilk, and th e n her fing e rs. Growin g s till bold e r, he saw her pouting lips, and his lips sought h e rs. They loved-and a love of country made their love the strong e r. The parting was sweetly bitter. "A paradox says the reader. Yes, a paradox, and yet the truth. All partings are bitter, and this one particularly so-for neither knew whether they

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The Uprising. would ever see the other again-yet sweet, because they had read the lan guage of their souls. / Early next morning Tempest set out on a good fleet horse to visit the provinces of New Hampshire and Rhode Island. With almost the speed of the wind, his charger swept across the country. At every farmhouse he passed he cried out : "Arm ye! We are going to drive the English into the sea." Women bade him Godspeed, men threw down their plows and harnessed their horses to spread the good news throughout the land. It was like a mighty forest blaze, fired in a hundred places at once. Bells were rung, bonfires l ighted ; the men searched for the old muskets, polished up the swords, relics of the time when their fathers fought the Wampanoags or the Pequods. Everyone was filled with patriotic fervor. In the meeting houses songs of praise were sung, and ministers preached the doctrine that "Resistan ce to tyranny was a duty owed to God ." Israel Putnam was found with his leather apron on, helping his men build a stone wall on his farm. "Hail!" shouted Tempest. "Welcome !" answered Putnam. Tempest told of Lexington and Concord, and Putnam began unfastening his apron. "I am with you, praise the Lord!" exclaimed the valiant man. And within an hour Putnam and all his workers

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52 The Uprising. wer e on their w a y to th e nearest town to j o in the Pro vincial army. He l e ft his oxe n in the fie ld, and in one day rode to Cambridge, a di s tanc e of ei g hty miles. Eighteen hours in the saddle! No light t a sk for a y oung man, but Putnam was sixty years old and had been lieute nant-colonel in the war against the French twenty years before. How the army loved him Even his enemies respected him. An acrostic published in a Boston paper testified to his worth: "Pure mass of courage, e very soldier's wonder, Unto the field he steps, inro bed with martial thunder, Tears up th e elem ents, and r e nds t he e arth a sunder; Nature de s igned him for the fie ld of b a ttl e Unuse d to s tate s m en's wil es or courti e r s pra t t le, Marslike, his chief delights, where thunderin g cannon r a ttle." The poet took lic e nse with his name and spelled it Putnum instead of Putnam. Then John Stark hurried to Cambridge with the New Hampshire militia. Rhode Island responded to the call and sent her quota under the lead of the gallant Nathaniel Greene, while New Haven's men were led by B e n e dict Arnold. Looking back, how th.e heart throbs with patriotic fervor as one r e ad s the names of Pres cott, Putnam, Stark and Greene. And while these men were drillin g their raw re cruits, who made up in p a triotism what they lacked in military kno w l edge, Eng land was sending its vessels laden with soldi e rs.

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; The U 53 Gen. Gage had w r itten to England : "I expect bloody work soon. Our troops are de t e r mined to lay all the country waste as they go, w it h fir e and sword." Five thousand men were sent from the mother coun try, headed by Gens Burgoyne, Clinton and Howe These brave Englishmen sailed on the Cerberus When sailing into Boston harbor, the captai n o f the Cerberus hailed a vessel coming out, bound for N ew port "What news?" asked Burgoyne "Boston is surrounded by ten thousand c ountry people," was the reply. "How many regular soldiers are t here in t h e ci ty?" "Five thousand Burgoyne paced the deck impatiently. He kept muttering to himself: "Five thousand soldiers? Five tho u sand s o ldi ers I" Aloud he called out : "What! Five thousand king's troops shut up, and kept there by ten thousand peasants Well, let u s g e t in, and we'll soon find elbow room." The English flag was flying from the staff on con Hill. The officers saw it and saluted the flag. Another moment and a muttered curse broke from their lips. Dorothy Gardner had climbed the hill, taking with her an old servitor of her family. She saw the Cerberus entering the harbor. She heard the gun fired in salute of the flag In her mind she pictured the brave officers uncov-

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54 The Cost of Freedom. ering before the emblem of sovereignty, and she per formed a daring act. Seizing the halyard, with the help of her servant, she hauled down the flag. It was this which was seen by the officers and appeared to them an evil omen. "See, it is all a mistake," cried Howe. "It is raised again." Dorothy had quickly turne d the flag, and her deli cate h an ds pulled at the ropes until they were blistered and bleeding. She had ho is ted the flag, Union down. "A hundred golden guineas," shouted Howe to the gunner, "if you can bring down that flag, which is now the emblem of r e bellion." A gun was trained on the staff. The gunner sighted it. There was a puff of smoke, and a three-pound can non ball winged its way in the direction of Beacon Hill. Only a miracle, it seemed, could save the brave girl's life. CHAPTER X. THE COST OF FREEDOM. "Who dares"-this was the patriot's cry "Come out with me, in Freedom's name, For h e r to li ve, for her to die?" A hundred h ands flung up r eply, A hundred voices answer'd "I.I"

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'";he Cost of Freedom. 55 The cannon balls whizzed through the air and al most deafened the brave girl who had so re versed the English flag. Never once did she feel fear. Her soul was fired with a patriotism whicn was as pure as heaven's sunlight. Once she did wish that Tempest was by her side, but she knew wherever he was, that he was working for the cause of liberty. The firing from the Cerberus startled the Bostonians. Gov. Gage, not knowing that a girl had flung the emblem of rebellion on the air from Beacon Hill, walked the floor of the Province House, angrily de manding why the Cerberus had not been met outside the harbor and its gallant men acquainted with the fact that Bos ton was in the hands of the English. "They fire on their friends," he said. A crowd had gathered on Beacon Hill, and looked at the puffs of smoke from the little vessel in the harbor. They did not realize their danger, they did not understand that they were in the track of the deadly iron. How many of them would have been killed had not Burgoyne order e d the gunners to stop firing? "You are wasting ammunition," he wisely said. "Your aim is not good." The air was clearer, and the crowd looked over the country. Yonder was Bunker Hill, and Charlestown, and the people knew that behind the hill the patriots were gathering. They looked on all sides, and some, more outspoken

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The Cost of Freedom. than the rest, d"..clared themselves rebels to English rule. There was a sentiment pervading the crowd which was favorable to freedom. "An' if we were only in Funnell Hall," said one of the crowd, "we could shout for liberty." "Do you know the cost of liberty?" The voice was a strange one, and exceedingly musical. The speaker was gray-headed and gray-bearded, a patriarch in appearance, a nobleman in stature. He had pushed his way throu g h the crowd until he was able to lean his back against the flagstaff He took Dorothy's hand in his, and looked at the dainty white fingers. "My dear, these little fingers were meant for em broid ering at home, not hoisting the flag of rebellion abro ad." An angry murmur was heard in the crowd. One man, bolder than the rest, shook his fist at the patriarch. "You say a word against that lady and I'll kill you!" "My dear sir, I really believe you would, but I have no occasion to speak against her, I want to praise her," he answered, calmly, his voice being as soft and sweet as the most beautiful music. There was a strange fascination about him which cal med opposition Raisin g his voice a little, he continued : "Men of Boston, this girl with frail hands and tender body has dared do more than any man among you.'' "That's true, father."

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The Cost of Freedom. 57 "You have not lost your manhood, you have not allowed your courage to leave you, but while she was acting you were holding meetings and grumbling." "Come to Funnell Hall shouted the crowd. "No, I prefer to speak to you here." "But in Funnell the redcoats won t touch you." "I am not afraid. My years have been many i n the land, and I shall live until the Lord calls me away. I want to ask you, 'Do you know what that flag means?' It is reversed. To-day by your cheers you have saluted it. Was it because its position is an insult to England, or is it the flag of rebellion?" "Revolution and independence, father; we are patriots, not rebels." "Then that flag means you wish to be free-to throw off the English rule altogether. Do not cheer; let me bear all the burden of this matter. I have seen peoples who have asked for freedom, and have been shot down like wild beasts. I have seen others who have had courage, and by their courage they have won their liberty. Shall it be so with you?" "We want our ind ependence !" "Ge ntly, men of Boston; every word you utter will be c a rried to Gen. Gage, and he may w r ea k a fearful ven gea nc e on you. The king is w ith us." A man pushed forward and cut short the speech. "If the king is with us," he said, "the ministers are aga inst us, and if a man has had bad servants he should get rid of them." "Your argument is good; but see yonder regiment of redcoats; they are winding their way up the hill;

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The Cost of Freedom. go to your homes. I will answer for this lady, and no blood will be shed unless you provoke it." The Bostonians were unarmed It would be no u s e attemptin g to hold the hill against the soldiers, so the advice tendered by the patriarch was adopted and slowly the crowd descended the hill. The old man was alone with Dorothy. 1M istress Dorothy, you are in great da nger," he said. "How dost thou know my name?" "Nay, stay not to argue; I am perhaps a seer or wizard." And a smile passed over his face. "I want to save you, because I love one in who m you are interested." "My father?" "No, one Winthrop Tempest." "What! knowest thou of him? Has he told thee of me?" "Nay, I have not seen him for some da ys, thou g h he be not far from the city He hath been to Virginia." "To Virgin ia, and has returned?" "Ay, and brings with him good news. The colony of Virginia is with us, and will send us a brave soldier; he bears the name of George Washington, and is reputed to be skilled in military strategy; but come, trust thys e lf to me." "I like not to do so; thy manner i s kind, but thou art a stranger, and believe me, good sir, I am in no danger. I will hie me home--" "Surrender! In the king's name, surrender or my men shall fire."

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The Cost of Freedom. 59 The speaker wore the uniform of an English lieu tenant, and was attended by about a dozen men. The patriarch looked at the young fellow, whose age could not have been much over twenty-one, and smiled. "Was thy lesson repeated rightly?" he asked. "What meane s t thou, old man?" "Didst thy master send thee to demand the surrender of a delicate girl who could not us e a sword if she had one, and an aged man whose years are so many that thy father's father, were he living, could not count as many?" "It is not those who have swords who are our ene mies ; we can crush them easily." "Canst thou? Who, then, are thy enemies, young sir?" "I am here to do my work. The flag has been in sulted ." "Has it?" "Look how it flies. The union is down, and we have heard that a woman reversed it." "A woman What, are the women fighting against thee? I knew they would not drink the tea, but surely thou dost not fear women ?" "Do you surrender ?" "How can we r e fuse when thy request is nicely put? To whom are we to report? By whose authority art thou here?" The young officer did not like his work. The aged man's spe e ch savored too much of ridicule, and few are proof aga inst the shafts of satire and ridicule.

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6 0 The C o s t of Freedom. "I must order my men to seize you, unless you surrender." "Indeed, Lieut. Popinjay--" "My name is not--" "Popinjay, no, but it might be Thy name is Clin t o n, and perhaps thou dost know this ring?" "How came that ring in thy posssession ?" "Dost remember it?" "It was my grandfather's." "Dost recognize this ?" The old man produced a document which bore the signature "George Rex," and which guaranteed the bearer a safe passage through the col onies of America. "Touch me, and thy king and mine will make thee show cause why thou didst disobey the royal man date." "But this-wo-lady ?" "Is und e r my protection, and I will see that she reaches home safely." "Wilt thou report to his excellency, Gen. Gage?" "I may do so if it seemeth goo d to me." There was so much confidence in the patriot's manner that the lie utenant withdrew his men and left the hill. "Come, the next redcoat may not be so easily dupe d ." "Did you dupe him ?" "No, he duped himself." "But the royal warrant?" "Did not give protection to a rebel. Besides, its date would place it far before any trouble arose with the col on ies

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The Cost of Freedom. 61 "But the ring?" "Belonged to old Gen. Clinton, the grandfather of youn g Popinjay." "You knew the young officer, then?" "No." "But you called him by name." "That proves nothing. Did he not drop his snuff box, popinjay as he is, and didst thou not see engraved thereon the name of Ointon ? I knew that the boy was out here, so used my knowledge. Ah, Mistress Dorothy, thy faith in me will be sadly shaken; but come, there is one awaiting thee who will cause thy eyes to flash still more brightly." "You mean--" "Tempest." "Take me to him; oh where is he?" "A moment ago and thou didst not want my escort; now thy feet waht wings that I might take thee quickly away." The aged man led the way down the hill and through some of the narrowest and most crooked streets of old Boston. He stopped before a house, so mean in its appear ance that Dorothy drew back. "Thou hast nothing to fear. I will lead thee to the one thou lovest." To enter the door one had to go down three steps. The patriarch gave three raps, and the door was opened about two inches. The password was given, and entrance was effected. Dorothy was u she red into a back room, destitute of all furniture.

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62 The Cost of Freedom. The door was locked behind h er, and she was alone. She began to lament her folly in trusting a stranger. A trap had been laid for her, and she had walked into it, at least such was her opinion; but when she had resolv ed to fight for her liberty the door was opened, and a glad cry escaped her. She had not been deceived. Her blushing face was hidden on Tempest's shoul der, and he was telling her again the story of his love. They had been separated for many days, and had much to say. The patriarch had been true, after all, to his prom ises, but Dorothy could not help shuddering as she saw the dirty floor and miserable, filthy walls of the room, for she mentally compared it with the luxury of her own home. "Deares t Winthrop, thou hast trave l ed far since I saw thee last." "Indeed, and I hav e seen a portion of this goodly country. In the colony of Virginia I did not feel at home. The men live in such great style, with all their slaves to wait upon them, that I was glo,d when I did return ; one thing only did please me : I met a gentle man, who is to come to us here, one George Washing ton. He is so nice. I lov ed him as soon as I saw him. And they do say that he is a splendid soldier. He was with Braddock. But l et us not talk of war, it is of ourselves we should converse." "Tell me, Winthrop, who is the aged man who led me hither?" "I know not; he is a mystery to us all. He knows

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A Council of Wai. everyone, and goes just where he likes and none in terfere with him." "Is he to be trusted?" asked the suspicious Dorothy. "Ay, Dolly, he is loyal to our cause or Putnam and Prescott would not listen to him as they do. But tell me, was it really thy own dear hand which hoisted the flag, union down?" "Thou art not angry with me, dear "Winthrop?" "Angry? Thou art my own, as brave as anyone in all the world, and I love thee for thy act, ay, even better than I did before." "I am so glad." CHAPTER XI. A COUNCIL OF WAR. Dorothy could not stay long with Tempest, for a council had been called, and he had been specially summoned to be present. Although Boston was in the hands of the British, the Committee of Safety met occasionally within mus ket shot of the Province House. By the same door Dorothy left, and her aged guide again was her escort. He took her past the King's Chapel, and reverently raised his hat as he reached the venerable building. "It is not like Old North," he said, "the meeting house of the people, but in King's Chapel some real good men have worshiped."

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A Council of War. He did not leave Dorothy until she was safe within her father's grounds. Either he knew a shorter way, or he walked much faster, for only a very few minutes elapsed before he was again within the little house, where met, on that day, the Committee of Safety and the council of war. The walls of the room were dirt-begrimed, the floor presented no proof of ever having been washed. The table-a long pine board on trestles-was covered with papers and documents and maps. Long benches were on either side. It was a mean-looking place, but in that room were assembled men whose names occupy conspicuous places in the world's history. "Great news hath young Temp est brought," said Gen. Artemus Ward to th e committe e "News from Virginia?" asked Pomeroy. "Ay, but from Connecticut as well." "What may the news be?" "On the evening of the ninth of May," commenced Ward, "a small body of hardy mountaineers, led by Ethan Allen, reached the eastern shore of Lake Cham plain opposite Ticonderoga. You all know the fort?" "It cost the English eight million pounds sterling," said Putnam. "Yes, and is impregnable," asserted Prescott. "Ethan Allen found but few boats on the lake, and could only get eighty-three of his men across. "With this small body of men-for he dare not wait for the rest-Allen, with our own f ellow compatriot, Benedict Arnold, by his side, made a dash and gained the gateway of the fort." The members of the committee were so excited that

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A Council of War. they rose to their feet, as though they could hear better standin g. "The sentinel was driven in; the hardy mountaineer s followed Allen closely, shouting so loudly and with such good effect that the garrison thought at least a thousand men were there. "Allen placed his men in line, with their muskets facing the officers' quarters. "He rushed into the bedroom of Commandant Dela place, and shouted for him to get up. 'What means this intrusion?' asked the startled officer. 'Surrender th is fort instantl y,' said Allen. 'By what authority?' as ked Dela p l ace. 'In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Conti nental Congress answered Allen, flourishing his sword. "The fort was surrendered. The garrison of forty eight men are prisoners in Conn e cticut, and our side has captured a hundred and twenty cannon, and vast quantities of military stores." The report, as read by Gen. W a rd, fired the hearts of the patrio ts present, and they sent for Tempest, congratulating him as though he had been the vic tor i ous general, instead of the messen ge r. "I forgot the last line of th e report," said Ward. "It says that two days la te r th e fort at Crown Point was also taken, and both without any l oss of life." Before Gen. Ward had finished the report, the aged and ven era ble man who had escorted Dorothy, and whom we shall call Concord, for by that name did the

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66 A Council of War. people generally refer to him, returned, carrying a wet paper under his coat. "What is it, Concord?" asked the general. "That thou hast some news of great import, good Father Con cord, is evident, for thy face expresseth thy feelings." The old man, whose eye was as bright as though he had only reached the prime of life, looked at the council members, and in a calm, low, sweet voice, thus addressed them : "It was one of the pleasing duties of the evening to bear compa ny to the sweet Mistress Dorothy Gardner On my return to the place where liberty hath its head quarters, mine eyes did behold a man clad in the garb of the town crier, causing large sheets of paper to ad here to the walls, by means of a paste which they say is made of wheaten flour. "I did ask the man for one of the sheets, but, alas he belonged to a wicked and perverse generation, and refused me. But when his duties called him elsewhere, I applied my fingers to the paper, and did gently pull it from the wall, and here it is; but, alas my small clothes have not been benefited by the paste." Very urbane were those old veterans when telling a story or making a report, but terse and succinct when giving commands to the men on the field. The paper was laid on the pine board, which served as table, and all saw that it was headed with the royal arms, and the letters, "G. R." Then came the word "Proclamat ion," in very large letters. It was signed by the military governor, Gage, and the

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A Council of War. last line, like the first, was a recognition of royalty, for it was the Latin salutation: "Vivant Rex et Regina." But those men whose eyes were fixed on the paper, cared nothing for the Joyal sentiments at that particular mom ent. They were reading the body of the proclamation. And it declared all those who were in arms, militia, Sons of Liberty, Min ute Men, to be rebels and traitors, and concluded with a most gracious offer of pardon to all who would lay down their arms and submit. With loud voice Putnam read the next clause. All the fire of his soul was thrown into it, his hands were clinched, his eyes flashed with patriotic indigna tion, as he read the words : "All ex cepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock," and offering a reward for the capture of the "arch traitors." Putnam threw the proclamation on the table, a tiny puff of wind blew it to the floor. Tempe st took a sword from the table and pinned the docum ent where it fell. His act was received with murmured applause. "Sic semper tyrannis !" quoted Prescott, and the oth ers expr esse d approval. "Treason!" exclaimed Greene "It is Gage who is the traitor, for our charter gives us the r ight to carry arms." The old man, Concord, waited until Greene had ex pressed himself, and then asked for permission to again address the council. "Mo st worthy Sons of Liberty it did come to my ears

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68 A Council of War. to-day that the English are about to leave the city and sally out through the country with the purpose of burning the neighboring towns and devastating the land." A long discussion followed as to the advisability of fortifying Bunker Hill. Putnam was strongly in favor of it. "The Americans," he said, "were not afraid of their heads, though very much afraid of their shins ; if you cover these they will fight forever." "No peace is possible, then, you think?" asked Stark. "Peace! when such a proclamation as that is on the walls of the city? Peace! when those we love, our true friends, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, are to be hanged as traitors? Peace? No, it is war to the death, and may God defend the right!" "Amen!" "Let us pledge ourselves once more," exclaimed Putnam. "Let us renew our vows to liberty. In the name of the Great Jehovah, I pledge my life to the cause of liberty, and having taken the sword, will not sheath it until our colony is free-as free as England herselfto make her own laws and g overn herself as she pleases. Who will join me in the solemn affirmation?" There were no need for words. Every man rose to his feet; each uncovered his head, and in the most serious and solemn manner assented to the pledge proposed by Gen. Putnam. "From now on," said he, "we shall work with a halter round our necks, for if any of us are caught it is hanged we shall be." The thought did not deter them, for from their eyes flashed souls that never quailed.

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CHAPTER XII. DOROTHY'S PERIL. Dorothy Gardner stood under the branches of a giant elm, looking over the city of her birth and of her love. She had seen Tempest, and in his presence she had renewed her life. There is nothing so revivifying as love-the love of two pure, innocent people like the young Puritan and Doroth y Gardner. She thought of no danger, though once or twice she asked herself how she had summoned up courage to lo wer the English flag "Dolly! Dolly!" "Is that you, Ruth?" "Yes, dear; where have you been?" "In the city,'' answered Dorothy, cautiously. "Alone?" "Yes." "How imprud ent! Hadst thou spoken I would have accompanied thee. Who didst thou see?" "A number of people, quite a crowd--" "I know, but didst see him? Thy face tells me the secret. He is in the city again?" "Of whom art thou speaking, Ruth, dear?" "Sweet simplicity, innocent Dolly! As though there was more than one in the whole world." "You talk in riddles." ''Do I? You are in love. If I were, I should see but

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Dorothy's Peril. one face, it would eclipse all else. Even the sun would lose its brightness when he was away, and the world would sink into obscurity; is it not so with you?" There was a soft, whispered "Yes" given in reply. "But, Dolly, dear, I am sorry you saw him." "Sorry? You are cruel!" "Am I?" "Yes, you know you are. How would you like any one to speak to you like that?" "Dolly, dear, don't be angry with me. I am not such a rebel as you are. I drink tea, even if it is taxed I like a redcoat-Capt. Markham called to-day-but if I am not a rebel, I love my sister, and would wish her to be happy." "I know that, you dear, good soul." "Capt. :Markham--" "Do not Jet us talk of him ; I like not even to hear him mentioned." "But I must, dear. He told me something which concerns-you know who-and yourself." "What did he dare to say?" "His excellency has heard that Tempest ts in the city--" "What of that?" "Can you ask that? You know he would be impris oned perhaps han ged as a traitor, if they caught him." "They would not dare." "They dare do an ything; but do not be angry with me for telling you The captain is a good friend--" "He is not." "Yes, he is. Listen; he said you would be watched--"

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Dorothy's Peril. "I should?" "Yes, even you, for his excellency thought you might at some time see Winthrop, and he could be tracked by that means." "Would they dare?" "The captain says that they are all furious at the Province House, for some low woman, a shameless creature, went on Beacon Hill, and when she saw the Cerberus coming into port, actually hauled down the English flag, and then rehoisted it, union down." "Did your captain say that?" "Capt. Markham did." "He said a low woman?" "Yes; those were his words, sister, dear." "A shameless creature?" "Yes; but why do you ask so minutely?" "Would the people say that of her?" "Yes, Dolly, I think they would ; for who but a shameless hussy would do such a bold thing?" Dorothy drew away from her sister and covered her face with her hands. "Leave me-leave me, Ruth; I want to be alone." "Alone?" "Yes ; I am a low woman, a shameless creature." "What do you mean ?" "I was the woman." "That woman, Dolly?" "I pulled down the flag. I hoisted the flag again. It is horrible. I think I see again the puffs of smoke and hear the report of the cannon as they were fired from the Cerberus; I see again the horrible cannon ball

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72 Dorothy's Peril. strike the ground near where I stood and bury itself at my feet. How I lived through it I do not know." "And you went through all that?" "Yes, I did; and I am not sorry, though I would not do it again." "Dolly, Dolly, you will ruin yourself. There is a re ward offered for your capture." "Do you mean it?" "It is true, and the captain says they will hang the woman if they capture her. Did any one recognize you?" "Of course they did!" "Dolly, what shall we do? I will send for Capt. Markham, and he will advise us; he has great influence with the governor." Dorothy seized Ruth's arm and squeezed it so tightly that the girl winced. "Don't I If I am to hang I can do so as a patriot, and I would rather do so than ask for an English sol dier's mercy." "Don't be fooli s h, dear." "I am not foolish, siste r mine. I see now what I did. It ma y have been a silly thing, but I would do it again if need be. If it will rouse my countr ymen, as it must, if they hang a woman, I am ready to die." "Dolly, dear, don't talk like that. What shall we do? Think of the disg race. What will papa say?" "I will go away They shall never take me if papa would suffer. Leave me." "No, no, dear, I will stay with you; am I not your sister?"

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Dorothy's Peril. 73 "Leave me, I want to think. I don t know what I shall do. I will tell you when I have resolved." "You promise? "Yes. But do leave me. I shall be all right in our own grounds, and I will not leave them until I have seen you." "Be careful, Dolly. You are our pet, you know." Ruth walked back to the house, feeling most mis erable. She believed all that Markham had told her. Better would it ha ve been if she had doubted him. Markham knew that it was Dolly who had been the heroine of the flag, and he used his knowledge for a purpose which will be known as our story of real life pro gresses Dorothy was sorry, not for her own sake, but so lely on account of the misery her punishment would cause tho se dear ones at home. She sat down on a rustic seat under the elm, and watched the moon rise. She tried to think, but her mind was a blank. No thou ghts wou ld com e to her, but she dreamed and dreamed, not of her danger, but of her lover. In the midst of a sweet, dreamy bliss she was rudely aw ak ened by a heavy hand being placed on her shoulder "Very sorry Miss Gardner, very sorry, but I have to obey orders You are my prisoner." "Who are you, and what do you want with me?" "I am of the Tenth Infantry, and-but you must go with us "What have I done?" "I do not know I only do as I am told." "You will allow me to go to the house-"

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74 The Opening of the Battle. "Sorry, miss, but I daren't. It's against military law." And dainty, charming, pretty Dorothy Gardner was taken through the streets of Boston a prisoner. She was locked in a room which was plainly fur nished, and was told that no indignity would be offered her, but she was not to attempt to correspond with her friends. CHAPTER XIII. THE OPENING OF THE BATTLE. Dorothy Gardner had disappeared effectually from the scenes of her home life. Three days had elapsed since her arrest and her father had been unable to find her. No one seemed to know what had become of her, and Ruth was distracted. On the morning of the third day she presented her self at the Province House, and asked to see the gov ernor. Gen. Gage was a gentleman, mild mannered and courteous in private life, though a martinet in the barracks and without mercy on the field. He was partial to ladies' society, and when he was told that an extraordinary pretty one wished to see him, he ordered her to be admitted. "Madam, the Province House looks dismal when the li ght of your beauty falls upon it," he said, with the gallantry customary at the time.

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The Opening of the Battle. 7 5 "Your excellency, I have come on business Which m e ans that you wish me to confine my at tention to that alone. Certainly, madam, and if any re quest is made which is within my power to grant, it is already granted." "I have lost my sister. Tell me, is she a prisoner ?" "Your sister? To whom have I the honor of speak ing?" "Ruth Gardner." The governor did not look overpleased as he heard the name, for he knew how thoroughly her father had become allied with the Americans. He listened to all she had to say, and for the first time he learned that it was Dorothy who had committed the treasonable act of reversing the flag; but he did not let Ruth see that he had been in ignorance. He promi s ed to inquire about Dorothy, and was very gallant in his parting with the sorrowing girl. In the meantime, outside the city the aspect was threatening. From the hills of the peninsula it was evident that the Americans were determined to beleaguer the king's army. A hundred thousand patriots had gathered, although not a quarter of them were armed. Many of the opposite heights were crowned with rude earthworks, and Gage saw that, although undisciplined, he had to contend with men who were desperately in earnest. The village of Roxbury, directly under the muzzles of Eng lish guns, was occupied, and all communication with the adjoining country cut off.

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76 The Opening of the Battle. And when the news reached Gage that many who had been in the English army had thrown in their lot with the patriots, and especially such men as Putnam and Warren, Stark and Pomeroy, who had won his laurels at Louisbourg; Gridley, the military engineer, with Prescott, who had won great distinction in the French war, he knew that an American army was only a question of brief time. The last blow was when his messenger told him that Gen. Artemus Ward, who had served under Abercrom bie, was appointed comm ander-in-chief of the embryo army. At Charlestown all was excitement. At night a thousand patriots, accustomed to handling the spade, worked with great diligence and silence on the intrenchments on Charlestown Hill-now known as Breed's Hill, and on Bunker Hill. So silently did they work that, through the watches of the ni g ht, they could hear the cry of "All's well!" given by the patrols, proving that the Americans were not discovered. Col. Prescott, accompanied by Maj. Brooks, went down twice to the margin of the river, and heard the watch on the gunboats repeat the usual cry drowsily All night the men worked, for Prescott wanted some protection for his men. When the work was done, and the muskets taken in hand, the men were exhausted by work, fatigue and hunger; but they were patriots, and were ready to fight as they had worked, nobly and well. The man-of-war, the Lively, was lying calmly at

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The Opening of the Battle. 77 anchor in the river when the morning of the seven teenth of June arrived. The captain was the first to notice the earthworks on Bunker and Breed's Hill. He uttered a string of expletives which startled the men under his command. "Do you see that?" he shouted in language far more expressive than polite, and pointing at the earthworks. "Do you see that? All night they have been working right under your eyes, and you never saw them. You are a lot of lubbers, unfit to man his majesty's gun boat." He strode up and down the deck, giving his orders in no uncertain manner. The Lively put a spring on her cable, and in a few minutes opened a fire on the American works. The sound of the cannon roused the inhabitants of the city and alarmed the British camp. The balls buried themselves in the hill and did but Jittle damage. The undisciplined American army stood undaunted. They strengthened their earthworks and looked calmly at the flying balls. It was the very sublimity of courage. Asa Pollard, a private, was the first man killed. "Bury him!" shouted Prescott. "What! without prayers?" asked a subaltern. "Bury him, I say. We have other work to do just now besides praying." The chaplain, however, insisted on commencing the burial service. "Disperse! Don't you see that the world is looking

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78 "An American Can Fight." on at you. Men of America, fight now and pray after ward !" shouted Prescott. A batter y of six guns and howitzers on Copp's Hill began firing on the Americans, and the battle of Bunker Hill had commenced. The Americans had no flag, but \11/inthrop Tempest mounted the parapet and waved the English flag union down. The Americans cheered the act, and continued their work. "Will you fight as you have worked?" asked Pres cott, as he stood beside Tempest and looked at the men in the trenches. "I'll answer for them," answered Tempest. "We will all fight as long as we have a drop of blood in our veins." CHAPTER XIV. "I WILL SHOW HOW AN AMERICAN CAN FIGHT." In the Province House, Gen. Gage was in close con sultation with his officers. Gen. Clinton laughed at the idea of the rebels, as the patriots were called, resisting the regular army. "My God, sir!" he exclaimed, "do you know that these fellows are tinkers and tailors and candlestick makers ? It will be a disgrace to call them soldiers. We cannot fight them." "They will fight us." "Zounds! Have we no honor? Am I, an officer in

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"An American Can Fight." 79 King George's army, expected to meet my tailor on the field of honor?" "It is humiliating." "It is worse ; it is disgraceful !" "What are we to do, then?" "Bag them like you would any other vermin," answered Ointon. "How?" "Embark a force at the Common, and under pro tect ion of your batteries, land the men at Charlestown Neck, and so cut off their retreat ." "Is not that cowardly?" asked Gage. There was a general laugh at the question. The governor saw that he was losing his grasp of the situation, and what he thought to be the best military movement would be ascrib ed to his cowardly fears. "It would be hazardous. Our army would be be twe en two fires," he said. Gen. Clinton laughed again. "Why, general, you must think you have soldiers to meet. I tell you these rapscalions won't fight. They cannot." "No; I am sure of that," assented Col. Markham. "My idea is to capture the ringleaders, hang a few of th em in chains, and let the rest go, after the city has paid an indemnity to cover all the costs of our occu pation." "But if the city refuses?" "It cannot. Seize a few hostages-not men-they are so fanatical they might like to hang rather th a n pay, but seize their daughters or wives, and you can get all the money you want."

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8 0 "An Ame r ican Can Fight." "The idea is a good one," remarked Gen. Baker. "It is diabolical !" exclaimed Burgoyne. "War is diabolica l, I admit, my dear Burgoyne." "The plan is not practicable," said the governor. "Is it not? Why, once capture Prescott and Put-nam, and a few others, and hang them on Beacon Hill, and you will have all the rest crawl on their hands and knees to sue for pardon," answered Markham "You mistake the men who are opposed to us," said Gen. Timothy Ruggles, who entered in time to hear Markham's speech "Why, my dear Ruggles," exclaimed Gage, "it is im possible for the rebels to withstand our arms a mo ment." "Sir, you don't know with whom you have to con tend." "Indeed!" "No, sir; these are the men who conquered Canada. I fought with them side by side; I know them very well; they will fight bravely." Warming up with his subject, he struck the table with his hand as he ex claimed: "My God, sir! your folly has ruined your cause." "That is treason, Ruggles," replied Gage. "Treason? Don't add stupidity to your folly. I am your equal in military rank, Gen. Gage, and no man has ever doubted my loyalty to King George. I shall be sorry if the colonies ever secede from the mother country--" There was such a loud guffaw of laugh ter that Ruggles had to pause for a minute or two be fo re he could continue. "But if your policy is con -

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"An American Can Fight." 8 I tinued, we shall be driven out of the country, bag and baggage." "Ruggles, you are more fit for a lunatic asylum than a command in his majesty's army." "Send me to an asylum, order me into arrest, if you like, but remember this-a day will come when you will be sorry you lost England the colony of Mas sachusetts Bay." "No other man dare speak to me like that, Ruggles, and it is only my great appreciation of your services that allows me to treat you leniently." "I shall speak plainly to you, gove rnor, and I would say the same to his majesty if I had the chance. When the repre sen tatives of England make war on women, even entering private grounds to kidnap young and beautiful girls, I say the time has come to speak, if not to act, boldly." "What do you mean?" "Can you ask? Is it not known to you that Miss Dorothy Gardner was seized in her own park and dragged off to some prison, by men wearing the uni form of the king's army?" "It is a lie, Ruggles !" exclaimed Gage, emphatically. "The girl's sister was here yesterday. I promised to try and find the missing one. Perhaps she has eloped with her lover." "Her lover is with the Americans on Bunker Hill." Markham looked steadily at Ruggles for a moment, as though he would be able to decide how far it was safe to go. Then he spoke with words as cold as ice and sharp as steel.

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8:2 "An American Can Fight." "Cannot the girl have two lovers, and while the one is fighting, console herself with the other?" Ruggles snatched his sword from the sheath, and with almost bloodless lips approached Markham. "Retreat your vile insinuations or draw and defend yourself." "Gentlemen! I will have no brawling in the Prov ince House. Stop this unseemly conduct. Col. Mark ham knows nothing of the girl." "Does he not? If I mistake not he is the most hon orable"-with a sneering emphasis Gen. Ruggles ut tered the word, and paused before he added the epithet -"kidnaper." "And what if I am? Do you not know that if we had a dozen girls like Dorothy Gardner in our pos session, their fathers would pay two thousand pounds apiece as ransom. Think of that, my brave rebel." Gen. Ruggles looked disgusted. "If England is represented by such as you, I do not wonder the Americans are rebels." The general left the room, and Markham signifi cantly suggested that Ruggles ought to be watched, or he might join the rebels. "I dare not do so. Gen. Ruggles is too well known at court for his devotion to King George. I should be misunderstood." Howe was sent for and given the command of the grenadiers, and under him were Brig.-Gen. Pigat and some of the most distinguished men in Boston. "Drive the rebels from their works," said Gage, and Gen. Howe laughed :

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"An American Can Fight." 83 "Drive them! Why, my dear governor, they will fly like the wind when they see us." As the sun cast its shadow on t he dial in front of the Province House and showed the hour of noon, the regiments of English soldiers marched through the streets of Boston to their places of embarkation. Two ships of war moved up the Charles River to join the others in firing on the works. The redoubled roar of the cannon told the soldiers that the crisis was at hand. The Falcon and the Lively swept the low grounds in front of Breed's Hill, to dislodge any troops that might be posted there to oppose a landing; the Somer set and two floating batteries at the ferry, and the bat tery on Copp's Hill poured shot upon the American works; the Glasgow, frigate, and the Symrnetry, trans port, mounting twenty guns, moored farther up the river, raked the Neck. The troops who believed th ey were only going on a pleasure jaunt, for not one thought of any resistance worth speaking about, embarked at the Long Wharf and at the North Battery. The sun was shining in meridian glory; the scarlet uniforms the armor glistening in the sunlight, the brass guns, polished until they reflected everything like mirrors, the flashes of fire, the belching of smoke, formed a spectacle grand and impo sing Thousands of Bostonians were on the roofs of the houses and on every point of em inence, to witness the scene. At one o'clock Moulton Point was reached, and the

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84 "An American Can Fight." officers smiled as they reminded each other that the "rebels" had offered no obstacle or molest a tion. But a new danger c o nfronted the English. Five soldiers, one of them a lieutenant, deserted. Gen. Howe was furious. "Capture them alive, if possible; if not, kill them." The lieutenant and two of the private soldiers reached the American works, and later in the day were seen fighting against their former comrades. Though serving in the English army, they were American born, and at the crisis in their country's hi-story, they risked all in her cause. The other two were captured. "Where were you going?" asked the captain of their regiment. "To join the patriots," answered the soldiers, without a quiver in their voices. "You know your doom ?" "We are to be hanged; will you grant us one re quest? It will be the last and only on e ." "What is it?" "That we may be hanged where the Americans can see us." "That request shall be granted, and on the same gibbet, before the day is over, we shall hang Warren, and Prescott, and Putnam." "Not so! The sig ht of our execution will strengthen their arms, and God will fig ht with them." The captain forgot himself and struck the speaker, who was manacled, across the face. "Thank Heaven! I can bear it all for l ibe rty." Half an hour later the two soldiers, wearing the

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Treachery Defeated. scarlet uniform of England, were hanging lifeless from the branch of a tree. They had deserted, it is true; they had broken their oaths but, born in America, they preferred an igno minious d eat h to fighting against their own country men. Young Tempest looked through a powerful glass he carried and saw the execution. He told the Americans. The lieut e n ant who had just joined uttered a few words of sympathy. "Poor feHows they preferred death to tyranny. But they died for lib erty and let th eir d e ath make us all the more earnest in th e cause." "You wear the red coat?" said Tempest. "Yes, I started with them, but I could not fight against my uncle--" "Your uncle ?" "Yes, Gen. Greene is my father's brother. Receive me into your ranks and I will show how an American can fight." CHAPTER XV. TREACHERY DEFEATED. Dorothy Gardner sat in a meagerly furnished room, meditatin g on her sad fate. For th ree days she had pined in loneliness. She had no wish for company, unless it was of her own choosin g

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86 Treachery Defeated. But she was suffering intensely. Food had been brought to her twice a day, but she had not seen who delivered it. The door was opened a few inches and the plates pushed in on the floor. A masculine voice told h er that she must place the plates clo se to the door or she would get no more food. Dorothy was too young to deny herself food, even in imprisonm ent, so she did as she was bade. The roar of the cannon told her that the war of liberty had commenced in re a l earnest. She thought of Winthrop. 'vVas he safe? Was he with the fighting Sons of Liberty, or had he be e n detailed to work elsewhere? She prayed for his safe ty with an earnest eloquence, for he was v er y dear to her. "He is the noblest and best man in Boston," she said, and she believed it, too. He was h e r beau ideal of what a young man should be, and her young h eart enshrined him in its inner most sacred chamber as her hero. While her thoughts were full of him, the door opened and Col. Markham entered. "Miss D orothy, this is a painful meeting." "Is it?" she asked, calmly. "I was at the Province House just now and heard of your cap t ivi ty. I could not believe it possible. I blush for my c ountry, now that I know you are a pris oner. I shall do all I can to effect your release." If Doroth y had not been so good a judge of character she might have believed the English officer. But she knew from the tone of his voice that he was but acting a part. I

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Treachery Defeated. "I thank you, captain." "I am promoted, Miss Dorothy; I am colonel now." "Promotion seems to me to be rather rapid. What means that firing?'' "The rebels-excuse me, I should have said the Americans-have very 'foolishly thrown up some earth works in Charlestown, and they are being taught a lesson." "Perhaps it may be the other side which will have to learn, Col. Markham." He smiled, and drew a little nearer to her. "With what are you charged?" he inquired. "Nay, you say you are in the confidence of the gov ernment; can you not enlighten me?" "I fear it is that silly act of yours-that joke about the flag." "Indeed!" "Miss Dorothy, I would like to serve you. I have hoped, and still do so, that we might be nearer friends --even relativ es, for Ruth, I think, does not dislike me. May I not help you for her sake?" "In what way, colonel?" "I might secure your liberty." "And what reward does the gallant Col. Markham expect for that service?" "Reward, my dear Dolly-I beg pardon, Miss Doro thy-how can you use such a word in connection with me?" "If you can obtain my release, why have you not done so ere this ?" "I only knew--" "Five minutes after I was kidnap e d. I know you,

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88 Treachery Defeated. Col. Markham, and I very much suspect that my cap tors were of your regiment "Miss Gardner, how can I prove my innocence?" "I am afraid you cannot." "I swear--" "Do not, for I should be tempted to think you perjurer as well as false friend "You speak strangely, and use strong language." "Do I ? We live in a strange time, colonel-a time when his majesty's defenders become kidnapers, and--" "Stay, do not utter treason, or I may not be able to save you." "I did not ask you to do so. Liberty is sweet, and I might purchase it, even from you, if the price is not too high "Miss Dorothy, your language is insulting. I came to serve you--" Dorothy stood defiantly before him. Her eyes w e re lighted with a dangerous fire He saw, not sweet, timid, bashful Dolly Gardner, but a high-strung, patriotic woman, who might enact the role of Joan of Arc. He saw a Spartan woman, who, had she a son, would send him to the wars with the instruction to come back with his shield or on it. "Let us understand each other, sir. I am no longer the schoolgirl or the society lady-I am a prisoner. If I am at all masculine in my manner, you must bear the blame. You caused my arrest--" "I ?"

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Treachery Defeated. "You imprisoned me here as though I had been a man--" "I? Excuse me, I--" "Will you listen to me?" and she stamped her little foot with true feminine impetuosity. "I know what I am talking about. You ordered my arrest--" "You mean, you think I did." She took from the bosom of her dress a little piece of paper. It was the leaf from a notebook. On one side was a memorandum, signed by one Jacob West, and by Markham. On the other were directions to watch the Gardner estate, and orders to arrest Dorothy, and this was signed by the colonel. He saw and recognized the paper. "Where did you get that?" he asked, and at the same time attempted to take it from her. "No---no, colonel, I must show this to Ruth." "Ha, ha, ha! She already thinks you have eloped with a lover--" Dorothy was too dazed to speak. Her cheeks became crimson, and her limbs trembled. "We understand each other. You are my prisoner, be it so. Now, will you have your liberty?" "Name your price," she answered, coldly. He was standing close to her, and his breath almost fanned her cheek as he spoke; she shrank away from him in disgust, but yet wanted to hear him tell how he would and on what conditions, release her. Liberty was sweet, very sweet, to her, and she yearned to be again free.

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Treachery Defeated. "Will you promise to do all you can to induce your Sister Ruth to marry me?" She looked at him. Her body seemed to elongate itself as the words fell from his lips. Gain her liberty by giving her sister to such a man? Never-she could not, would not, do it. "Your answer, Miss Dorothy?" "Can you not read it in my manner? I would rather die here than promise such a thing." "Then you will have to stay. Your lover-I ask your pardon-Mr.-! should say, Capt. Tempest--" He paused. Her heart beat rapidly. "What of him?" "Very little; there will be less to-morrow.'' "What do you mean?" "He is a rebel-and will be hanged. All Boston will know before to-morrow that England shows no mercy to traitors." "Col. Markham, will you do me the honor of leaving the room? If you have one iota of that gentlemanli ness which is claimed to be an attribute of an officer, you will do so." She spoke so calmly that Markham was for the mo ment ashamed of himself. He did her bidding without another word. No sooner had the door closed than the flood gates of her grief were opened and she wept-wept as though nothing would ever comfort her again. "My love, my lost love!" she moaned, "and is it true

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Treachery Defeated. 91 that you are a prisoner? No, it cannot be. I should die if you did Winthrop, it is not true, is it, dear?" She was nearly heartbroken. But never did she falter in her loyalty to the American cause. She would rather know that Winthrop was hanged for his patriotism than that he should live to be a rene gade and a traitor to his native land. She would rather die than purchase freedom by one little sacrifice of principle. Her soul was true and devoted to the cause of the patriots. Col. Markham was playing a desperate game. He knew that the governor would not shield him if he knew the truth about Dorothy's imprisonment. He had lost the game as far as the fair prisoner was concerned, and he had only an hour or two to risk his fortune on his other cards. He hurried across to the Gardner residence, intending to offer himself to Ruth, and promising to obtain the release of her sister should she consent. But Ruth was away. Mr. Gardner saw the colonel and wondered what at traction the place had for an Eng li s h officer; but so long as a man wore the king's uniform, much as the merchant was opposed to English tyranny, he would be courteously received at the house. "Sad thing about Miss Dorothy," commenced Markham. "Poor Dolly I fear she has come to some evil end. I mourn for her as one lost." "Do not give up hope. I think--"

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92 Treachery Defeated. "You have heard of her? Tell me, how can I find her? I would give my life if I could save her. "Can you bear to hear bad news? I'd not like to tell you what I have heard--" "Tell me, I can bear it now. Is she dead?" "I think not. I did hear--" "What? Tell me quickly. Do you not see I am all impatience. Col. Markham, do not keep me in sus pense." "It is only rumor, but I heard that a young lady, it may not have been her, was captured and held as a hostage." "As a hostage ?" "Yes ; you see, some of your countrymen are causing us trouble, and the rich people must be made to pay for the folly." "And my Dolly--" "I do not know, I only speak from hearsay, but I think I could-if it should be your daughter-arrange for her release. It would cost--" "Do not mention cost. Anything, a thousand-five thousand pounds if need be." "Will you intrust me with the money, which I will return if I do not need it?" "You are a good friend, Markham, and I would trust you with my life." "My dear sir, you overrate me. I hope when this little unpleasantness is over, I may win one of your daughters-you see, I am selfish, after all. But I think for a thousand pounds--" "You shall have it at once." "Sir, not a word to anyone, not even to Miss Doro-

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Treachery Defeated. 93 thy-or she might speak of it and I, with others, be disgraced. It is only to serve you." "I understand, and appreciate your motives. My dear Markham, we are opposed to each other, some what, but you are a noble-minded man." "It is for J\.fiss Dorothy's sake, sir-I--" "Indeed, Col. Markham, and what is for my sake?" It was Dolly herself who spoke She threw herself into her father's arms, and he was so overjoyed that he never noticed how quickly the English colonel withdrew. "Where have you been, Dolly? Were you in prison? How did you get out?" "You must thank my lib erator Papa, he is a noble man-twice hath he served and re scued me." "Where is he, that I may ble ss him; and, Dolly, a father's blessing is of value." Dolly passed into the next room, and when she re turned she was leadin g by the hand the patriarchal patriot whose words of sound advice, whose calm man ner and easy, unruffled temper, had lon g won for him the name of Concord, by which he still chose to be known. Concord, after r eceiving the warm thanks of the merchant, explained the situation. He had been suspicious of Markham, and had shadowed him from the time Dolly had disappeared. But only that morning had he tracked the soldier to Dolly's prison. Awaiting his opportunity, he went boldly up to the villainous-lookin g fellows who acted as jailers, and showed them the signature of the king.

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94 At the Bayonet's Point. Threatening them with many penalties if they dis obeyed him, they were led to open the door, and Dolly was a free woman once more. "How can I thank you, sir?" "I need no thanks. I have served your daughter and it has been a pleasure. I am a patriot, and all patriots are my friends. This young lady is one of whom the country should be proud." Nothing would induce Concord to stay. He had other work to do, he said, and the roar of the cannons drew attention again to the struggle going on so close to the city. CHAPTER XVI. AT THE BAYONET'S POINT. On all sides the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The opening of the contest, which will stand out prominently in history as long as the world exists, was perhaps the strangest pen ever described or mortal ever witnessed. Its most meager records stripped of every super fluous word. become more exciting than the most graphic fiction. The hearts of readers are stirred to patriotic warmth, and the recital of individual bravery is more fascinating than the most imaginative le gend Recall how Capt. Putnam galloped through Cam bridge.

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At the Bayonet's Point. "What is the matter?" asked a friend. "Have you not heard?" "No." 95 "Why, the regulars are landing at Charlestown, and father says you must all meet, and march immediately to Bunker Hill to oppose the enemy." Capt. Chester called the men together; they were all uniformed, blue coats turned up with red, and in half an hour the men, with frock coats and trousers over their uniforms, marched to Charlestown. Then there was Gen. Pomeroy, who had won renown in the French war. "Lend me a horse, Ward," he said to the comman der, "and I will ride over to the field and see hoWi things are." On his arrival at the N eek, Pomeroy dismounted. The war vessels were pouring a raking fire on the Neck, and Pomeroy drew his sword and walked across to the American intrenchments. When asked about his horse, he replied: "I left that in safety below; I could not think of placing it in such danger." Gen. Warren was attending a meeting of the Com mittee of Safety, in the Hastings House, when the first gun was fired at Bunker Hill. "I shall join our men," he said. "Why, doctor, you are needed here. Beside, your life is valuable," said Elbridge Gerry. "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," he answered. :(It is sweet and becoming to die for the country.) He mounted a horse, and, in company with Dr. Townsend, a student, set out for Charlestow n.

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At the Bayonet's Point. He overtook James Swan and James Winthrop, who were walking' to the field of battle. Exchanging salutations, h e passed on, and came within the range of the batteries at the N eek. Here he left his horse, and walked up Bunker Hill. Putnam saw him. "General, I will gladly take orders from you." "No, no, Putnam," he replied, "I am h e re only as a volunteer. Tell me where I can be most useful." Putnam directed him to the redoubt. "There you will be covered." "Don't think I want a place of safety," said \Var ren, but tell me where the ons et will be the most furious "You have been appointed a major-general," said Col. Prescott, as he grasped Warren's hand. "I shall take no command h e re ," answered the grand patriot. "I came as a volunteer, I have not yet re ceived my commission. I came with my musket, and shall be pleased to learn from you." Then there was Timothy Kettell, a boy whose years did not number more than fifteen. He watched the landing of the British at the N eek, and saw them sit on the grass to dine. Their arms were stacked, and the sight was a tempting one. Kettell stole quietly down the hill, and right up to the British. He seized a musket and reached the intrenchments before the loss was discovered. "I can fight now as well as the rest of you," he said, looking first at the patriots and then at his gun.

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At the Bayonet's Point. 97 "But you cannot shoot, Timothy." "I can learn, and if I aim at the heart of a redcoat every time I shall soon get to be a good shot Kettell was taken prisoner later that day, but he played the part of a natural so well that he was dis missed. Such deeds of daring ought n eve r to be forgotten. They signalized the b a ptism of blood of the republic, and led to the cre ation of the greatest nation on earth. Sir William Howe was proud of his men. Ten thousand p eople were gathered on housetops and hillsides to witness a battle, and he wanted his soldiers to look as well as if on dress parade. The English troops formed with beautiful accuracy, and moved in steady columns along the shore. Their advance was so picturesque and slow that it had the appearance of a "march past," instead of the approach of a deadly struggle. The bands played, the gay banners floated in the breeze, and the whole thing looked like a holiday pageant. But scarcely had the people formed their opinion of the soldiers before platoon after platoon deliverd its fire, while heavy volleys ascended from the orchard. The Americans had learned wisdom, and did not reply to this galling fire. "By St. George!" exclaimed Howe, "they will not fight! "No," responded Ointon. "We shall drive them back to their farms and factories, cursing their mad folly!"

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At the Bayonet's Point. "They will not fire a shot!" again said Howe, as his men were within two hundred feet of the intrench ments. The soldiers laughed. Some looked back at the city, where they could see thousands of people watching their movements Instantly, in the midst of their laug11ter, a sheet of flame broke through the heavy smoke cloud, and some of the laughing, contemptuous English soldiers fell dead or wounded. The fire was unexpected. Howe called to his men to stand firm. A thousand muskets belched forth their leaden missiles. The raw, untrained militia were acting nobly. The grenadiers under Howe fell back demoralized. They did not look at the city. They wished that no one could see them. At the base of the hill, Howe rallied his forces and prepared for another assault. Prescott, of Pepperell, walked along the intrenchments, cheering and encouraging the patriots. A young man was by his side. It was Winthrop Tempest. "See, colonel, they are re-forming. Could we not lead them on by a feint?" Prescott saw the idea, and his men ceased firing. A few marched back on Breed's Hill. The cry was raised : "The rebels are in retreat !" The news gave fresh courage to the English. They marched up the hill, through the orchard.

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The Barren Victory. 99 Again that terrible sheet of flame burst from the hillside. Maj. Pitcairn saw the grenadiers stagger back before the fusillade of the enemy. "Now, for the glory of the marines," he shouted, as he push ed his men forward. But those words were his la st. He f e ll with four bullet holes in his head. A brave, impetuous man, who had shed the first blood at Lexington, he did not live to hear the shouts of victory or the cries of defeat. Again Howe r allied his forces. "Hold your fire, boys !" he shouted. "We will go in at the point of th e bayonet !" CHAPTER XVII. THE BARREN VICTORY. "Amazing scene! what shuddering prospects rise I What horrors glare beneath the angry skies The rapid flames o'er Charlestown's height ascend To heaven they reach! urged by the boisterous wind. The mournful crash of falling domes r esou nd, And tottering spi re s with spa rkles seek the ground. One general burst of ruin reigns o'er all; The burning city thunders to i ts fall I O'er min g l ed noises the vast ruin sounds; Spectator s weep! earth from her center groans Beneath prodigious unextinguished fires III-fated Charlestown welters and eXl)ires."

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100 The Barren Victory. "Hold your fire, bo ys Englishmen are never afraid to face death at the closest quarters," exclaimed the British lion-hearted general. The words uttered by Howe were magical in their effect. The brave genera l saw how the men straightened up and prepared for the charge. "Gentlemen, I am happy in havin g th e honor to command so fine a body of men You will behave like Englishm en, and as becometh good soldiers," continued Howe. "I shall not desire one of you to go a step farther than where I go myself at your head. Remem ber, gentlemen, we have no re cource to any resources if we lose Boston, but to go on board our ships, which will be very disagreeable to us all." Howe had learned the art of pl easing his men. He was intensely popular on that account. He was "a boy," "a comrade," with th e m, and flat tered them by treating them as "gentlemen" equal with himself. Prescott saw the effect of Howe's words, and knew that a fierce assault was to be made. He knew hi s men were th e rawest of recruits, and that his opponents were the pick of the English dis ciplin ed troops He addressed a f ew words to the men in the intre nchments, and Putnam roused the greatest en thusiasm "Men!" sa id Putnam, "you are all marksmen; don't one of you fire until yo u see the white of their eyes Prescott discussed the situation for a few minutes, and Putnam said : ,.

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The Barren Victory. IOI "Don't fire until I so order." Almost instantly the officer took a gun from one of the soldiers and fired it at the British officer. The intent was so evident that the English fired a vol ley at the Americans, but the bullets went clear over their heads, and did no damage Again Putnam fired It was a strange thing to do, but as another volley burst from the English line the American laughed. "What a lot of ammunition I have made them waste," he said; "and we have only fired two shots." Howe called to his men not to fire. Steadily they marched up the hill. No resistance was offered. The English were deceived; they thought the Ameri cans were about to surrender. Suddenly Winthrop Tempest shouted: "Look-Charlestown has been fired!" It was true. The British had set fire to the town, hoping that it would intimidate the Americans, and that the smoke would be a cover to the attack on their lines No sooner had the wooden houses begun to blaze than the wind shifted and blew the smoke away from the British exposing the whole line of attack. Tempest's words roused the patriots. Prescott gave the order to fire. The discharge was simultaneous along the line. It caused great gaps in the Eng lish ranks but Howe was still waving his sword and cheerin g on his men. Over dead bodies, warm still, the men tramped as heedlessly as if the obstructions had been logs of wood.

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'\. 102 The Barren Victory. Another volley all along the line, and again dead and wounded fell in great heaps. "My God!" Putnam exclaimed, "I never saw such a carnage of human life." Tempest looked across and saw Howe opposite the rail fence. "Pick him off!" he shouted, and a dozen guns were pointed at the brave officer. Two of his aids were shot dead by his side, but Howe saluted the gallant young patriot who had ordered the volley to be fired. It was war of the most deadly kind. Temp est, carried away by the enthusiasm and excite ment of the c onflict, took a number of men down the hillside, and when almost within a dozen yards of the enemy fired and fell back. It was a daring deed, and proved that life was held put of little value by those young patriots. Again the British fell back. The king's troops ran for the boats. The flower of the royalist army was routed by the Sons of Liberty, at whom they had lau ghed, and mock in g ly called "the broomstick brigade." What wild cheering there was on the hill Prescott and Putnam knew the Eng lish too well to think they would acknowledge defeat. "They will r a ll y and r eturn," said Prescott. "Send to Gen. Ward for reinforcements," ordered Putnam. "vVe want men," sa i d Warren, "but we must have ammu nition." "I w ill go and see Gen. Ward, if you so order," said Tempest.

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The Barren Victory. 103 The volunteer was cheered as he mounted his horse and rode through the ranks. Showers of bullets from the stragglers fell around him, but on he rode. He passed through the blazing town unhurt. On he rode, spurring his horse to greater exertion. It was a most perilous task. A cannon ball from one of the ships ploughed up the ground so clo se to his horse that the beast fell forward and threw Tempest over his head. "Poor old fellow, are you hurt?" asked Tempest, as he stroked his faithful horse. He thought not of him self but of his steed The animal was only shaken, and his knees scarred a little. Tempest was quickly on his back, and was flying over the ground. Prescott heard the report that only a few artillery cartridges remained for ammunition. He ordered them to be opened, and the powder distributed as far as it would go. "Waste not a kernel," he said, "but make every shot tell." The British received a r e inforc emen t of five hundred men under Clinton from Copp's Hill. Howe d e termined on new tactics. Instead of char g ing in front, he divided his men. The artillery enfiladed the lin e of the breastwork, and drov e its defenders into the r edoubts for protectio n. Prescott saw, with the greatest disfl\ay, the intention of the enemy.

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The Barren Victory. He ordered those who had no bayonets to the rear, and bade the front ranks not to fire until the British :were within a dozen yards. Grandly the men obeyed the order. The Americans had only one round of ammunition left. An English officer leaped to the rampart, and shouted : "Come on, boys; the day is ours!" A bullet pierced his heart and he spoke no more. The hand-to-hand fight was terrible in the extreme. As company followed company into the redoubts, the Americans were compelled to fall back. Not because they lacked courage, but they had not an ounce of powder left. It was a strange sight to see these Minute Men keep ing the bayonets of the soldiers at bay with clubbed muskets. It was a scene of savage confusion The Americans were beaten. Prescott passed, or rather fought his way, through the ranks of the English, though many bayonets were thrust at him. His coat was slit into ribbons, but he received no bodily hurt. The Americans had reached the top of Bunker Hill when Putnam shouted : "Make a stand here; we will drive them back even yet." A wild huzza greeted the speech, and Warren, sword in hand, tried to push his way to Putna m's side. A!as the brave Warren failed to r e ach his friend.

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The Barren Victory. His blood was shed on old Bunker for the cause he had so well loved. A few men had dragged a small cannon to the top of the hill, and Putnam shouted with joy: "Give them one more shot!" The men had just one charge left, and it did its work well, for a great gap was made in the British ranks. It was the last shot that could be fired, and there was nothing left but to retreat. Prescott was angry. He hurried to Cambridge, where he saw Tempest, dispirited and sullen. He had failed in his mission to obtain reinforce ments. Gen. Ward had for some reason hesitated and de layed until it was too late. "If I had rec e ived ammunition I would have held the hill," .said Prescott. "Give me fifteen hundred men and I will go back and retake it even now." But Ward saw that such a movement would be injudicious, and thought clearly that although Bunker Hill had been lost, the British had s uff e red so terribly that, as one of the governor's staff said, "We have won a victory, but another such would ruin us."

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CHAPTER XVIII. WASHINGTON. Where may the wearied eye repose When gazing on the great, Where neither guilty glory glows, Nor despicable state? Yes-one-the first-the last-the best-The Cincinnatus of the West, Whom envy dared n o t hate, Bequeathed the name of Washington, To make man blush there was but one. -Lord Byron. We have already seen that after the battle of Lexing ton, \Vinthrop Tempest had been sent on a special mis sion to Philadelphia, and from there to Virginia. It is well for us to go back a little in order that we may mark clearly the course of events. On the day of the capture of Ticonderoga the Colo nial Congress assembled at Philadelphia. What a grand and notable gathering was that! Look at the muster roll of names, every one a world's hero. \Vashington-and the pulses beat with lightning rate as his name is mentioned-sat by the side of Patrick Henry, the brilliant orator, whose words were almost "mightier than the sword." Then Benjamin Franklin was there, to aid by his terse wit and clear wisdom the assembled delegates

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Washington. Two men were standing in close proximity to Washington, and they looked very much in earnest. Their names were John and Samuel Adams. Lounging outside the hall, waiting for the delibera tions to commence, was another hero ; he signed his name plainly and with character-Thomas Jefferson. The deliberations opened with prayer. The king was specially mentioned, for these men were not rebels, but patriots. Then up rose John Adams. He it was whom Gov. Gage wanted to hang on Boston Common. He spoke with splendid eloquence and practical good sense. "We must have an army," he said, "for we shall never be respected until we are ready to defend our rights with the strongest weapons. To have an army we must secure the best officers, and we need a com mander. You all know who is best fitted-I need but mention his name-Col. Washington." A sudden outburst of cheering testified to the popularity of Virginia's son. During its continuance the subject of it left the hall. John Adams continu e d : "We all remember his services with Braddock. I know he saved the remnants of the American army, and covered his military record with imperishable glory. We shall never forget how Braddock had five horses shot under him, and most of his officers killed, only Washington remaining to g ive orders. And what a remarkable escape and retreat that was! "Washington's bosom had been the target for the

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108 Washington. Shawnee muskets for hours. His coat four times was rent and torn with balls; two horses fell under him, but he was undaunted, and with his thirty brave Vir ginians-all that remained alive--covered the flight of our defeated army. Yes, gentlemen, the name of Col. George Washington is the greatest in our military history." Every delegate present wished to second that nomi nation, and tumultuous cheering announced that George Washington, of Virginia, was general com mander-in-chief of the American army. When Washington heard the decision, he remarked to Patrick Henry : "I fear that this day will mark the downfall of my reputation." How little he was able to read the future. Instead of destroying his reputation, he built up a nation, and not one in the whole world would dare to speak slightingly of Virginia's famous son. "I accept the honor," he said, when the position was offered him, "providing that you allow me to act without salary or perquisites. I ask that expenses be paid, but not one penny will I receive for myself." The congress made one more appeal to the king. The document was couched in firm but courteous language, and asked for nothing but what the first charters of the colonies conferred Fifteen days after the battle of Bunker Hill, wash ington took the command of the army at Cambridge. He found that the Eng lish were confined within the city of Boston, and that every road was in possession of the Americans.

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Washington. How warmly he was welcomed by Prescott and Put nam, Greene and Stark! All knew his worth, all appreciated his military skill. "With such a commander we must win," said Pres .cott, and Benedict Arnold became enthusiastic in his praise of his superior officer. The new commander found himself at the head of an army of fourteen thousand five hundred men. "And ammunition?" he asked. "We have none." "Then we must manufacture it." "Can we?" "We must. What weapons have you?" The report was unsatisfactory. Not more than eight thousand guns all told, and only about six cannon comprised the entire armament of the American army. With enthusistic ardor Washington set to work to organize his forces. He divided the army into three parts ; the right wing, under Gen. Ward, was at Roxbury; the left, com manded by Gen. Charles Lee, rested at Prospect Hill, near Charlestown Neck; the center, under the com mander-in-chief, lay at Cambridge. He started an arsenal, and began the manufacture of gunpowder. Day after day the men were drilled and taught military maneuvers. Gen. Burgoyne's scouts reported what was being done, and he exclaimed : "If untrained peasants could destroy the British

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110 "To Be Hanged as a Spy." army at Bunker, what will these soldiers do in a few months' time?" Boston was so strongly invested that it was impos sible for the British to force their way out, had they been so minded. CHAPTER XIX. "TO BE HANGED AS A SPY." A month had passed since Dorothy Gardner had heard anything of Winthrop Tempest. She had tried to resign herself to the thought that he was dead. But she was young, her heart was filled with love of the descendant of the Puritans, and she thought that life would be a weary burden without him. "Would that I were a man!" she cried out, in an guish, many times in the solitude of her own room, "and then I would die with the soldiers. It must be blessed to give one's life for the country." She walked about the grounds and spent her time listlessly. Her father tried to rouse her, but in vain. Maurice Gardner, despite his strong Americanism, was univer sally liked. He was too wealthy to be treated as a rebel; his wines were good, his larder always well filled, and the English officers, who were entertained there, had many a delicacy which they could not pro cure for themselves.

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"To Be Hanged as a Spy." I 11 So it came to pass that at Gardner's house might at times be found Gens. Howe and Burgoyne, with numerous minor officers. Perhaps the pretty daughters were an additional attraction. Certainly Mary's eyes seemed brighter than dia monds when the witty Irish cavalryman, Col. Foley, was in the room, and as for the colonel, he was wont to declare that from Skibbereen to Derry there wasn't a coll een so fair as Mary. He sung sentimental songs, in which the changes were rung on "My Mary Asthore," "Mary Mine" and "My Love is a Mary." Then there was another Irishman, an ensign who boasted the Celtic name of O'Brien, whose eyes were alwa ys watching Dorothy's pale face. "Sure I'd give a fortune to see that pretty colleen smile again," he declared often enough to Ruth, who took a very sisterly interest in him. The name of Winthrop Tempest was never men tioned when the English officers were present. Ensign O'Brien did not even know that the Gardners were acquainted with young Tempest. On the evening to which this chapter refers, the young officer was trying to induce Dorothy to sing, but all his persuasive eloquence proved in vain. Then he talked of the miserable condition in which the English were placed. "To think," he said, "that I had to eat bread and butter without a relish for breakfast-I, whose great ancestor was Brian Boru, the king of all Ireland." This made Dorothy open her pretty lips.

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112 "To Be Hanged as a Spy." "It is the king of England's fault that you are treated so. I pray for the king every Sunday--" "I wish you would pray for me," interjected the en sign. "I do, every Sunday." O'Brien's eyes fl.ashed fire, his heart gave a violent bound as her answer fell from her lips. "Do you mean it, really mean it, Miss Dorothy?" he asked, eagerly. "Certainly; do you not pray for your enemies; do you not r epeat the Litany, and ask that the good Lord would deliver you from all persecutors?" "Oh, Miss Dorothy, I didn't think you would be so cruel. I thought-I hoped-I meant-that is-I love you-so there, it is out, and I'm not sorry, though I did not intend speaking yet." Dorothy looked at the ensign to see whether he was really serious, and when she perceived that the love light shone in his eyes, she was grieved. "I am so sorry. I will trust you, I love another--" "You love-another?" "Yes; but I know not whether he is alive or dead. My heart is well-nigh breaking." "Is he a soldier?" he asked, calmly. "Yes, he--at least-you would not call him a soldier-he was at Bunker, with the patriots." "Miss Dorothy, let me be your friend; I will serve you, oh, so faithfully, and will never speak of love again until you give me permission. Let me be your friend." The tears filled her eyes as the unselfish love of the Irish soldier was made plain.

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"To Be Hanged as a Spy." I r3 "I will trust you, for I know I may "Indeed you may. Will you not tell me his n ame? I may be able to find him; he may be a prisoner "No, no, or I should have heard it. His name is Winthrop Tempest." "\Vinthrop Tempest?" repeated the ensign. "Yes ; you uttered the name as though you knew him." "I nev e r saw him; I--" "You know something. The name is familiar to you Tell me, is it not so?" "Alas yes. But it cannot be the same." "There is but one Winthrop Tempest in all the Colony of Massachusetts Bay," answered Dolly, proudly "What is it you have heard?" "He lives." "Are yo u sure?" "Alas! yes." "Why do you speak like that? You said you would be my friend. Is it kind to speak in that way?" "I-dare-not-tell-you. "What? Oh, Mr. O'Brien, if you are really my fri end you will tell me." "You could not bear it." "Try me I sha ll go mad if you do not See, we are being watched. End my misery by telling me." "He is in Boston "In Boston? No, that is imp ossi ble, or he would have been to see me." "Miss Dorothy it is best, perhaps, that you should know He is accused of being a spy--" "He is not."

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I 14 "To Be Hanged as a Spy." "I said accused, and three times he has been known to visit Boston. He has no difficulty in going in and out, and our scouts say that each time he visits Gen. vVashington, and is with him some time." "Well, sir, what of that?" "He is to be captured this very night, and to-morrow his body will hang--Excuse me, Miss Dorothy, I ought n ever--" "Finish what you were about to say?" She spoke very calmly and coldly, and the ensign was deceived. "He is to be hanged as a spy as soon as captured." "Without trial?" she asked. "He has been tried." "I thought he was still free?" "So he is." "How, then, could he be tried?" "His presence was not necessary." "Do you mean you have tried him and sentenced him to death in his absence?" "Yes; that is often done in war times." "I would give my life to save him!" exclaimed Dorothy, f erve ntly. "If I can save him I will." "Thank you, oh, so much. You say he is in the city?" "Yes; he was with an old man whom they call Con cord. He is being watched. He is safe so long as the old man is with him, but let them separate and he will be caught." "It is horrible. Save him-you said you would be my friend-oh, save him, and I will--"

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"To Be Hanged as a Spy." 115 "I will save him for your sake, if I can." "Thank you. I will never be able to thank you / enough. I--" "Dorothy-Dorothy, come here, you recluse, I want you to hear Capt. Sandon's new song. I heard it the other da y ." Mr. Gardner was very fond of music, and he knew that nothin g roused Dolly so in uch as a goo d song. She cro sse d the lar ge parlor, closely followed by the ensign. Capt. Sandon s ea ted himself at tl-e harpsichord, and play e d a little prelude. l{e turned toward D o rothy. "It's a very old song. My fri e nd Miss Brooke, of Dublin, transla t e d it from an old Iris h manuscript Don 't l augh, please but they do sa y it was written over a thousand years a g o." "Indeed!" "Yes; but it i s very appropriate to thi s warlike age." Again the har psichord was invoked, and ami d a clas h of bass chords, th e captain c ommen ced his song: "Resistless as the spirit of the night, In storms and terrors drest, 'Withering the fo rce of every hostile breast, Rush on the r anks of fight!-Youth of fierce deeds and noble soul! Rend, scatter wide the foe! Swift forward rush, and l a y the waving pride Of your h igh ens i gn l ow! Thine be the battle, thine the sway! On-on to Cai rbre hew thy conque rin g way, And let thy deathful arm dash safely from his side, As the proud wave, on whose broad back

The Ensign's Friendship. II7 "You ought to go for Burg o y ne has written the prologue and epilo g u e ," s a id Sandon. "Indeed then the t e mptati o n is great," answered Ruth. "I wish Miss Mary would go with me," quoth Col. Foley. "A real, live lord is to sp e ak the prologue." "Really! who is the proud noble?" "Lord Rawdon." "And does he speak the epilogue as well ?" asked Mary. "No, Miss Fitzsimmons, or, I should say, Miss Laura, does me that honor," answered Burgoyne. "I cannot think how any lady could appear in public." "There are several who will play in 'Zara.' "They must be without shame." "I do not think so," asserted the Hon. Percy Stanley. "I do not think it any worse than appearing in charades at home.'' There was a knock at the door, and the servant called for Dolly. "Oh, Miss Dolly, there's trouble in store for ye; I'm sure there is !" '"What is the matter, Jane?" "Oh, it's himself as come, and his face is like a corpse, so it is!" "Whom do you mean ?" "Why, who but Masther Tempest.'' "Where is he?" "Jn the white room, miss, an' it's afeard I am; if it

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I I 8 The Ensign's Friendship. hadn't been for thi s dollar he gave ne, I should have sworn it was a spirit, an' not himsel ." Dolly did not wait to hear Jane's speech; she hurried to the white room, so called because it was .eco rated in white. "Winthrop!" "Dolly!" "How glad I am to see y u again, dear !" "Not more glad than I ar 1 to hold you close to my heart. Who is in the parlor ?" "Such a crowd, dear, of English." "What does your father mean? Is he loyal to America? Sometimes I doubt it." "Don t say so, dear. Father is as true as I am, but he keeps friends with the English." "Dolly, dear, I can only stay a brief while; I am even now hunted--" "Hunted?" "I do not mean quite that, but I must leave Boston to-night. I have important news for the general." "It is true, then?" "What is true?" "Winthrop, are you what they call-Oh, I cannot say it-my heart would break if I thought it." "Some one has been telling you I am a spy." "Yes." "And it would break your heart if it were true? Why, Doll y dear, how do you think we could ever succeed if there were no spies ?" "But you--" "I am not a spy, as you understand it. I can't go into the English camp disguised so that I can find out

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The Ensign's Friendship. I 19 all ab out the movements of our enemies. No, I have never forfeited my honor yet." "I am so glad ; but are you not in danger?" "Yes." "Then why come?" "Gen. Washington wished it, and, Dolly, dear, I would go through fire and water, would fight my way through an army of demons to do his bidding. Dear est, I really believe he is the noblest man God ever sent into the world." "But if you are caught?" "I should be han ged within an hour." "Winthrop, it would kill me." Tempest had been standing near the window, the moon was shining brightly, and he saw three most villainous-looking men examining the house. "Dolly, can you hide me? They will search the house." "Wait a moment, dear." Dorothy left the room, and in a few moments again returned, accompanied by Ensign O'Brien. At the sight of the English uniform the American trembled. Could Dolly have b een false and b etrayed him? He began to doubt her, when she, with a forced calmness, introduced the ensign to T empe st. "So you are "Winthro p Tempest? Do you know that if my people capture you, the gibbet will be your doom?" "I know that, sir, and I am ready-2y, ready to die for my country." "Do not talk so loud; I want to serve you, for Miss

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120 The Ensign's Friendship. Dorothy's sake. Leave us, Miss Dorothy, will you not?" The two men were alone. They were about the same build, and so nearly alike that, had they been dressed alike, they would have pa ssed for twin brothers. There was a difference which could be discerned on a close in s p e ction, but still not more than brothers might possess. Only a few minutes elapsed before they parted. The servant opened the front door and an officer clad in his majesty's uniform passed out. "Tell Miss Dorothy duty calls me away," he said, as he left the house. Five minutes elapsed, and then a loud and imperative knock on the front door caused the guests to start. "I want to see Mr. Maurice Gardner," exclaimed a rou gh-looking man. "I am Mr. Gardner," said that gentleman, as he stepped into the hall. "I hold a search warrant, sir." "What for?" "We have reason to believe that a rebel spy is m your house." "A spy? No, sir." "But we must search." "Search if you please. Gentlemen-Gen. Burgoyne, must I endure this indignity?" "I will answer for Mr. Gardner," s aid Burgoyne. "So will I," asserted G en Howe. "But we must search. Here is the warrant, signed by the governor."

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How the Escape Was Effected. I 2 I "Let them s e arch and, zound s they will have to apologize," exclaimed the owner of the mansion, an grily. The men entered. One stood with his back against the door. Two others entered the parlors and critically examin e d all present. Then the y crossed the hall into the white room. Instantly the leader exclaimed: "There is the spy! The r e is Winthrop Tempest! Seize him! He will hang in the morning.'' CHAPTER XXL HOW THE ESCAPE WAS EFFECTED. Gen. Burgoyne started. He had pledg e d his word on Maurice Gardner s honor, and when the merchant had declared the alleged spy was not in his house, the English general assert e d that his word was sufficient. The accused was sitting on a low stool or ottoman, his face buried in his hands. "I knew not of this," exclaimed Gardner. "I knew not, believe me, that Winthrop Tempest was in my house." "You would have aid e d him to escape if you had known it," suggested the officer charged with the arrest. To the astonishment of the English guests, the mer chant boldly replied:

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r22 How the Escape Was Effected. "Yes, I would, and had he come to me, I would have defended him with my life. Gentlemen, I never equivo cate, I never stoop to deceit. You all know I am an American, loyal to my king, but disloy al-if you like to say so-to the king's ministers and his system of government. But 1 knew nothing of this man's pres ence here." "Indeed!" It was a sneer, and Maurice Gardner's face flushed. "I believe you, Gardner," said Burgoyne, extending his hand. "So do I," asserted Howe. "But I must arrest this fellow Tempest," said the officer. ';I am afraid that is so," remarked Gen. Burgoyne. "I am sorry it should have occurred in your house, Gardner, but you see I am powerless." "Of what crime is Winthrop Tempest guilty?" the merchant asked. "They say he is a spy. He has already been triedin his absence-and found guilty, and he will be hanged at sunrise." "Can nothing be done to save him?" "Nothing. The d e ath warrant has been signed." "It i s contrary to law--" "Civil law, yes; but we are under military law--" "If he is hanged it will exasperate the people ." "Why?" "He is a de s cendant of old John Tempe st, who came over in the Mayflower, and of Mary Wint hrop, the daughter of Gov. Winthrop. In l a ter years his ancestor in direct line married the last of the line of the Nar-

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How the Escape Was Effected. I 23 ragansett sachems, and insured peace with that warlike tribe." "It is most unfortunate, but too late to do anything." "I will send to the governor. I am sure Ensign O'I :ien would take a letter for me, and it would re ceive more careful attention." "The ensign left half an hour ago, sir." The accused patriot had never moved ; everyone was surprised, for Tempest was known to be bold and ag gressive, and not likely to submit tamely to arrest. Dorothy was searching the house for O'Brien. Had she found him, he would have had-as she ex pressed it-"a piece of h e r mind," for she fully be lieved he had betrayed her lov e r and perjured himself. But the ensign could not be found, and she returned to the white room just as it was announced that O'Brien had been gone for some time. The poor girl was half distracted. She knew not whether to go to her lover and openly acknowledge him, or 1:0 wait until he made the first movement. The young man did not move. Not once did he show by action that he heard any thin g said by the assembled party. He sat as solid as a rock, :;ts cold as the dead, as in different as the heavy sleeper. The officer crpssed the room. "\i\Tinthrop Tempest in the name of the king, I arrest you." At the same time a ringing laugh startled those present. The man stood up.

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124 How the Escape Was Effected. "General, did I deceive even you?" he asked, crossing to Burgoyne. "Who are you, sir?" "Do you not recognize O'Brien, ensign in your own regiment?" "Why this masquerade?" "Did you not say early in the evening that no one could ever deceive you, general?" "I did." "Well, I thought to try it." "But Mr. O'Brien left the house-" commenced the arresting officer. "Certainly; and as he passed you whispered: 'Vivat t'ex et regina.' Is it not so?" "It is." "And the ensign was in full regimentals?" "Yes." "V./ ell, what if I tell you that the officer turned back, entered the house in the rear, found this suit of clothes in a press, and exchanged them for his own ?" "I should say that the regimentals would be found in the room." "You would? Well, follow me." O'Brien led the way upstairs to a large hall room. The window was open. A small camp bed stood along one side of the room, and on the other was a clothes press. But what surprised all more than anything else was that on the bed lay a full suit of an ensign's uniform. O'Brien did not appear at all astonished when his liberation was ordered.

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How the Escape Was Effected. I 2 5 Many were the apologies offered, and the officer de clared it to be the strangest thing he had ever known. But the most mystified was Dorothy. She had certainly spoken with Tempest; in fact, she could-in imagination-feel the kisses on her lips even yet. She had not been deceived; but how the escape had been managed she could not conjecture. It was not until Saturday night that she heard, from O'Brien's lips, the true history of that eventful piece of acting. The whole family had accepted Burgoyne's invita tion to witness the tragedy of "Zara." Dorothy fell to O'Brien's care, and no sooner were they together than she abrutly exclaimed : "How can I thank you for what you did?" "I promised to serve you." "I know it, but-will you ever pardon me ?-I doubted you." "I am glad to hear it." "Sir!" "I said, and I repeat, I am glad you doubted me." "Why?" "It was a proof that I acted my part well." "Indeed you did. You deceived us all." "If I had not, I should not be here now, and I would do much, very much, for one smile from you. If I had been discovered I should most likely have been cash iered." "Don't say so; I should have suffered so much, for it was for my sake that you risked so much." "When you left us I saw that Tempest doubted me.

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126 How the Escape Was Effected. ''vVe must exchange places,' said I, 'I want to help you to escape.' "I arranged while we were exchanging clothes to tell Tempest just what to say to the soldiers outside, for I knew they were waiting to arrest him. It so happened that close by there dwelt a costumer who is supplying the dresses for to-night's play. I hastily wrote what I wanted, got him to give Tempest a peasant's dress and to send mine to where a servant was in waiting. The servant was quick and diligent, and replaced the uni form on th e bed. I dared not speak or make any sign until then." "How did you know when he was there?" "'Ne had agreed upon a signal. It gave Tempest time to get away, and I hope, for your sake, he is safe." "Thank you, oh, so much. I wish I could show how much I appreciate your kindly act. Is there no way?" "Don't ask me. I do not want to be a false friend. You know what would be the dearest wish of my heart, but that is impossible, so let us be friends-ah here is Funnell Hall, as you people call it." The play was enjoyable, and Lord Rawdon, who re cited the prologue, and the young lady who, with a very pretty piquancy, recited the epilogue, were loudly cheered. Col. Foley was very attentive to Mary, and Capt. Sandon was so much infatuated with Ruth that he consented to sing, and left her side to ascend the stage. Dorothy lost all interest in the play when she caught sight of Concord. What was he doing there?

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How the Escape Was Effected. 127 Who was he? Concord was a mystery to all. Many declared him to be possessed of superhuman and supernatural powers. It was known that he openly sympathized with the American patriots ; he committed acts and made speeches which would have insured a long imprisonment to anyone else, but he was safe from arrest, and not one of the English authorities would touch anyone while under his protection. Dorothy saw him and noticed that he was standing and looking at her. Had he any motive in so doing? She thought he must have, but how could she get near him? An opportunity presented itself. In the last part of the play a young man was to appear for a few moments as the b..:arer of a message to one of the leading personages. The young officer cast for the part did not attend, and Burgoyne sent into the hall for Ensign O'Brien. No sooner had the officer left Dorothy's side, than Concord passed to the chair. "Miss Gardner, you know me?" "Yes." "I wish to say he is safe." "Safe!" "Yes ; thanks to your escort of to-night ; I know all. He wished me to see you and tell you, or I should not have wasted time in watching this frivolity." "Is it not enjoyable?" "Yes; I suppose so. Laugh while blood ts being

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128 How the Escape Was Effected. shed; enjoy fun and frolic while half the men in the country are preparing for war. I do not forget." "I shall always think of what you say. May I tell Mr. O'Brien the news?" "Better not. Never trust a redcoat too far." "But he has proved--" "That in a fit of generosity-with the selfish desire to please you, he did a praiseworthy action." "Don't speak so slight ingl y." "I have no intention of so doing, but do you believe an English office r would allow an American spy to es cape unless he had some object to serve?" "You would make me distrust everybody." "No, indeed, I would not, for I want you to trust me "In what?" "I want you to tell Gen. Burgoyne that Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, seized all the public store of powder. Patrick Henry made him pay for it. The govern er has burned Norfolk, but has been de feated at every point." "Why should I tell him?" "Because I want him to be acquainted with the fact." "But could not you?" "I could, but I want a lady to do it, so that he may know that all the people are talking about it." "You are flattering to my sex." The young ensign had left the stage, and was making his way to Dorothy. He had to pass Col. Foley and Mary, and the colonel whispered: "You are not jealous, are you ?"

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The King's Answer. 129 "No." "Good thing, for another cavalier has been occupying your place." Although O'Brien was not jealous, he did not like to think that anyone had been talking to Dorothy while he had been away. Still he had no right to interfere, and he stuttered and stammered considerably when he spoke to Dorothy about the aged Concord. CHAPTER XXII. THE KING'S ANSWER. Washington proved himself the man for the hour. Without arms, ammunition, or even soldiers, he created an army which was destined to astonish the world. The British h:!.d captured Bunker Hill and Charles town, thinking it would be an outlet whereby they could sally forth when necessary, and an inlet through which they could obtain provisions. But Washington saw throu g h the movement, and the peninsula was as successfully b e leaguered as Boston itself. The very flower of the English army was shut up in the city, and was gradually approaching starvation. Gage had been superseded by Gen. Howe and the English thought the whole trouble would be easily set tled, because Howe was popular with the people.

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130 The King's Answer. But it was to the Americans a mat t er of principle rath e r th a n p e r s ons. H os t i l i ti e s h a d bro ke n out in ev e r yon e of the col onies so uth of th e St. Lawre nce and th e Jakes, wh e re the royal army invit e d an app e al to force. In Canada, alas revers e s had come to the Ameri cans. The valiant Mont g omery, one of the bravest and best soldiers of the day had fallen in a desp e r a te but un successful attempt to capture Quebec, which was prac tically impregnable. But the Americans, though defeated, were not dis hearten e d To them their cause was as sacred as r e ligion. "Resistance to tyrants is a duty we owe to God," said one of their number, and with the same zealous spirit which actuated Peter the Hermit, they were enga ge d in a holy crusade for liberty. Washington stood, the center of a group of his offi cers, in his room at Cambridge. He had a number of documents in his h a nd. What a sta tely presence was his An aristocrat A d e mocrat! Washington was both. By birth he b e longed to one of the most exclusive and blue-blood e d families of Virginia ; b y inclination and reasoning he was also democratic. He combined the hauteur of a courti e r with th e easy and calm d e mocracy of J effe r son With him it was a holy principle. No monetary con-

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The King's Answer. 131 siderations swayed him. He was sacrificing money, fame, family, quiet, for the cause he had espoused. Others there were who were just as earnest, just as devoted, but many lac ked the conservatism necessary to the crisis. "Gentlemen, I have received authentic information that King George has enlisted a large number of Hessians, whom he proposes to send here to crush us. He has bought them, and as hirelings they will fight with greater savagery than the English." "The English officers are gentlemen," said Gen. Prescott. "That is just the difference," answered Washington. "Instead of meeting men, we shall be attacked by wolves. But that is not the only thing to be considered. If King George hires, or purchases, Hessians and Russians, we shall be outnumbered. What shall we do? What course would you advise?" Gen. Ward summed up the situation in a few words. "If we are beaten by foreign slaves," he said, "there is nothing b e fore us but the most abject We cannot expect to be treated as belligerents entitled to the courtes;i e s shown to equals, who h a ve b e come un fortunate but our leaders will be hanged as rebels and we shall be treated as slaves." "It is no lon g er the advisers of the king with whom we have to contend, it is the king himself," said Putnam. "Yes, every time we draw the sword hereafter it is against the king," remarked Prescott. No wonder a nervous tremor passed through every one present.

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132 The King's Answer. The king had b e en the last link in the allegiance to the mother country. To continue the war was an act of treason and re bellion. "If unsucce s sful," interjected Ward. "Yes, and if we are the victors, what will be our future?" asked Washington. "A free and independent republic." The answer came from the rear of the room. Every eye was turned in that direction, and some of the officers scowled as they saw that the daring speaker was but a stripling. To some he was a stranger, but Washington knew and recognized him. "Come forward, Capt. Tempest. Your words may weave a rope for your neck unless you are more care ful." "I apologize, sir, but the words slipped from me un awares. I ought not to have spoken in such an august assemblage." "Nay, thou art too modest, Capt. Tempest; I invited thee to be present and no man in this room hath a better right to speak than thou, for here we are all on an equality." Winthrop Tempest's face was crimson as he stepped forward. "Thou art no lover of monarchy?" "Nay, general I ought not to have spoken, but it seemed to me that if we fight against the king, and be come the victors, it would be well never to trust another king."

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The King's Answer. 133 "Logically spoken. But why not a king of our own?" asked \i\T ashington. "Because, sir, power sometimes makes good men tyrants, and I did read that time when I was sent to see thee in Vi rginia, how the Bard of Avon foresaw the danger of ambition." "Thou art deep read, Capt. Tempest. Canst thou remember the words of which thou wert thinking?" "They run in this wise, sir : 'Crown him? And then I grant, we put a string on him, Tha t at his will he may do dang e r with.'" Washington was pleased with the young man, and liked to h ear him talk. Tempe s t had overcome his bashfulness as he spoke, and the few words quoted from Shakespeare made a deep impression on all, even the general feeling their deep importance. "The b a rd s poke well," said Washington "but let us leave th e ories of government to face the actual fact. Hast thou heard anything from the city, Tempest?" "The g arris o n, sir, are plac e d on quarter rations." "And will they hold out ev e n while starvin g?" "They are Eng lish sir, and would rather die from want of food than acknowl e d g e th e ms e lv e s wrong." "But th e Am e rican s how do they fare?" "Scarc ely b e tter than th e soldiers." "But why are they so quiesc ent?" "Becau s e sir, they h a ve fai t h in y ou and our army." "Brave p e ople! Brave soldiers! United, what a grand nation they would make."

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134 The King's Answer. "There is one without who would speak with thee," said Tempest. "Let him be admitted." The old man, Concord, entered, and after a very low bow, handed a document to Washington. "I was commissioned to place this in thy hands, and I swore on the Holy Book that no other eyes should see it befor e thine." "Good Concord, Congress shall know of thy deeds ." "I want not thanks, I only wish to see my country free." \Vashin g ton's face grew even more serious as he read the document. He heard no sound, nothing distracted his attention, his lips were pressed tightly together, and by the time he had finished reading the document in silence, his right h and fell unconsciousl y on his sword. "It i s the king's he said. His voice was so solemn that not one had courage enough to ask what that answer was. "His majesty add r esses it to 'Certain persons bear ing the names of John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and others,' and starts out with the declaration that he has no knowledg e of any body known as the Continental C o ngress ." A dozen swords leaped from their scabbards, a dozen souls were filled with patriotic fury. Washington was the calmest of them all, but there was a sound ring of determination in his voice as he continued : "The king demands that we disband the army." "Never I"

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Dolly's Heroism. 135 The reply was unanimous. "We are to submit without conditions." "By Heaven such an answer is an insult!" exclaimed Greene. "The king will d ea l with each colony separately," continued Washington. "Will he? Not until we have been vanquished and killed." "Is that your spirit, gentlemen?" "It is." "V'le must fight now, and it must be guerre a mort," exclaimed Prescott. "And may God defend the right," solemnly added Washington. "Amen! responded Ward. CHAPTER XXIII. DOLLY'S HEROISM. Dorothy Gardner, as we know, was possessed of a soul as strong in freedom's cause as any man's. By a strange chance she learned certain things con cernin g the Briti s h garrison, which, as a patriot, she thought Washington ought to know. To think was to act. Time was precious. She had heard that in a few days at most a large body of soldiers would arrive to reinforce the English,

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Dolly's Heroism. and that an assault was to be made on the patriots as soon as possible after they had disembarked. "There is no way by which the general can learn this news," she thought. "Yes, there is one way. Can I do it? I will !" Without even going home she started for Cam bridge. The journey was nothing. Many a time she had walked it, but now it was very perilous. At every step she was liable to be stopped and ques tioned. The English would not alJow anyone to leave the city if they could possibly prevent it Dorothy walked along as though entirely uncon c erned. She saw several acquaintances and chatted with them. The patrol looked at and challenged her. With a haughty toss of her pretty head she bade them ask Gen. Howe whether Dorothy Gardner was to be subject to insult. This was within the city limits ; but when she reached the river her real difficulty was to be encoun tered. She tried to pass several times, but each time was unsuccessful. "Get a permit, mis s," was the answer every time she tried to pass a sentry. She pleaded that she wanted to see a sick friend, but the man laughed in h e r face and uttered words which made the blood suffuse itself over her face and neck

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Dolly's Heroism. 137 There was one more chance about half a mile farther north. She reached there and found the sentry quite talka tive; but he knew his duty, and would not allow her to pass. She plead ed so earnestly that at last the man said she might cross the river if she would give him a kiss. For answer she raised her hand and gave him a stingin g slap on the cheek. "Yo u may cross for two kisses now, but not for less." Once did she think she would purchase a permit at such a price, but she was ashamed for even entertaining such a thought. Then she relinquished her mission, at least until night. When the clouds gathered thick and heavy, she sou ght the riverside and unfastened a boat from its mooring With as silent stroke as possible she paddled into the middle of the river. She was discovered. A dozen bullets struck the water close to her boat, and one tore a rent in h e r dress just below the shoulder. Then she plied the paddle vigorously. She must reach the other side The bullets fell thick and fast, splashing the water all over her. No one seemed to notice the firing. It was a matter of daily occurrence. Her boat struck the ground, and with such force that she was thrown into the water.

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138 Dolly's Heroism. With saturated clothes she waded through the cold water; great blocks of ice endangered her life, but she prayed to Heaven for succor, and reached the shore safely. Her teeth chattered, her limbs trembled, and, nearly half dead, she reached the American lines. She asked for Capt. Tempest. Insulting answers were given by some of the men, but generally she was received courteously. It was nearly morning before she found Tempest. He was asleep. Forgetful of maidenly modesty, she demanded that he should be roused; and, hastily dressing, Winthrop Tempest emerged from the house. He rubbed his eyes. His senses were bewildered. "Is it you, Dolly?" "Of course it is, you silly I I want you to take me to Gen. Washington." "What for?" "Do not be inquistive, but take me as quickly a'l possible." "In that state?" Tempest pointed to her wet clothes, and she began to cry. What man is there who is proof against a woman's tears? And when that woman is young and exquisitely beautiful, and the man only just emerged from boy hood, the result can easily be known. He kissed away her tears, and she-welll she kissed him again.

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Dolly's Heroism. 139 Then she told him why she had taken the journey. He kissed her again. "You cannot go back." "I must." "It is impossible." "Why?" "You would be captured and hanged as a spy." "What am I to do, then ?" "You must stay here." "That is impossible." "Why is it?" "Don't talk so silly. Take me to Gen. Washington." Temp est did as she wished and the gene ral, when he saw the girl with her clothes all dripping with water, refused to hear her story until she had ex changed them for dry ones. With a fatherly thoughtfulness he sent for Gen. Ward and commissioned him to find some lady who would attend to Dorothy. Within an hour she again stood before the general, and told him what she had heard. He took her hand in his and pressed his lips on her fingers. "You have rendered the cause most important serv ices, and your name shall never be forgotten." Tempest did not ne g lect his opportunity, and Washington concurr ed in the idea that it would be far better for Dorothly to become Mrs. Tempest, and so silence all scandal. After a little hesitation she cons e nted and the marriage certific ate bears the names of Generals Washing ton and Ward as witnesses.

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CHAPTER XXIV. THE SIEGE OF BOSTON. Faneuil Hall was crowded. The people laughed and screamed. A rattling farce was being played, called "The Siege of Boston." It was full of fun and jokes. The English were merry, because in a few days, at most, reinforcements would arrive and they could cut their way out of the city and once again enjoy full ra tions and even get some luxuries. One of the actors, "made up" to represent Washington, had just come upon the stage. It was a grotesque impersonation, and the English laughed until the tears ran down their cheeks. Suddenly the sentry at the door rushed up the hall and leaped upon the stage. "Turn out! turn out!" he shouted, and the people screamed with delight. "Turn out! Washington is coming." Again the people's sides shook with laughter. "They're at it, hammer and tongs." The people still believed that he was one of the play ers, and his acting was so natural that they applauded him loudly. Gen. Burgoyne stepped upon the stage and dragged the fellow off. "Are you drunk?" asked the general.

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The Siege of Boston. "Begorra, I'd loike to be. But, be St. Patrick, go to the
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The Siege of Boston. your hands," said Washington, and his soldiers ac cepted the responsibility. But Percy delayed an hour too long. A violent storm arose. The English were imprisoned on Castle Island. All night and all the next day the elements warred on the side of the patriots, and gave Washington a chance to strengthen his position. Lord Percy reported to Howe. "An assault on such works would be murder." "I am afraid yo u are right," answered Howe. A flag of truce was raised and the English asked for terms of peace. The city was to be abandoned. Washington had captured the capital of New England. On the next day the whole English army went on board the fleet and sailed out of the harbor. The American advance entered the city. Two days later Washington made a formal entry at the head of his triumphant army. He was borne along by the throng to Faneuil Hall. The people cheered him. They called him their savior, their deliverer. Univer.sal joy reigned in the city. In the midst of all, washington declared that the victory was not his. "If you want to honor the one who really delivered the city into your hands, you must mention the name of a lady. She is well known to you. She was Miss Doroth y Gardner; she is now Mistress Winthrop T em pest, and she it was who made our victory possible." .-

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Dolly's Fears. Then the cheering grew tumultuous, and Dorothy was lifted on the stage, utt erly bewildered by the in tense enthusiasm which greeted her appearance. "Why, she reversed the flag on the beacon," said one. "Yes, and it was her father who told the parson in the King's Chapel a bit of his mind." "All honor to her. Men of Shawmut, l et us praise God for giving us a daught er lik e her." And all the people, moved by a spontaneous rever ence, sang: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." It was a grandly sublime moment. CHAPTER XXV. DOLLYS FEARS. The excitement was not confined to the famous hall bequeathed by old Peter Faneuil to the people of Boston. The g reatest enthusiasm prevailed. From all quar ters the peopl e flo c ke d to the streets and marched along, singing snatches of everything they could remember. Psalms of praise to God, religious hymns political songs and popular ballads were all mingled in strange discord along the crowded thoroughfares. Women were frantic in their delight. The redcoats

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144 Dolly's Fears. had gone, but their husbands and brothers, their sons and lovers were returning. Bonfires blazed everywhere, and although the siege was raised and plenty of food was to be obtained, the people were too full of joy to care for eating. The name of Washington was almost worshiped by the Bostonians, and the slightest allusion to him was the signal for the greatest cheering. When the general introduced the blushing Dorothy Tempest to the crowd the re was one man who deter mined to r e ach the platform. It was Maurice Gardner. The p e opl e at first did not recognize him, but when they did, they were equally desirous that he should stand by his dau g hter's side. But th e y could not make a passageway for him. The hall was too crowded for that. But the y could lift him to their shoulders, and the thou ght w as quickly act e d up o n. Whe n he was lift e d up abov e th e ir heads he was the recipi e nt of a splendid ov a ti o n. From should e r to s h o uld e r h e stepp e d as gently as he could, and wh e n h e r e ach e d the platform the people chee r e d more lustil y th a n ev e r. It was a v e r y c arni val of enthusiasm! "Bless thee, m y g irl e x claim e d Gardner, as he press e d hi s daughte r t o hi s heart. "Thou n e arly broke our he a rts, for we wist not w h e re thou hadst gone, but now th a t thou art safe I t ell th e e thou art a brave girl!" The r e was warmth in his speech, but still a stiffness, for New Englanders always used the pronouns "thee"

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Dolly' s Fears. and "thou" in public, dropping into the softer manner of speech o nly in private G e n. Was hington took the merchant's hand "So th ou art the father of this noble girl, wh ose nupti a ls I had th e plea s ure to witness?" "It i s as thou say e st." M a y the fath e r s throughout our land have c hildren just as n oble Gardn e r thanked the general for his kindly thoug ht, and then e mbraced "Winthrop Tempest. "I am proud of the e my lad, and thy country may well h o nor thy name The p eople ch e ered again, as they did on slightest provoc a t i on. But t her e was one in that crowd whose enth u siasm was all outward. He did n o t wi s h the success of the Amer i can cause but tha t was n o t th e only reason why his heart did not sp e ak in acc ord with his voice. He hated Tempest He had d reamed ambitious dreams In his solit ude he had fancied Dorothy Gardner hi s wife and once he had summoned up courage to speak to h e r in t e nd e r words. She had l a u g hed at him, thinking he was j est i ng, but when she saw his seriousness, she felt so sorry that she piti e d him. That was too much for the youth, and he became very bitt e r a g ainst her, but more so a g ainst Winthrop Tempe st, when he heard she favored him. Allan Lloyd was d e void o f a ll p rin c iple, a n d h i s passion overruled his reason

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Dolly's Fears. Strange as it may appear, in the mid s t of the en thusiasm in Faneuil Hall, he dev e loped a scheme to get Tempest out of the way, and then to abduct Dorothy. When Howe was making ready to evacuate Boston, Lloyd had managed to gain an interview with the British general. "You will want to know every movement the Vir ginian makes," suggested Lloyd. "It would be pleasant to have such knowledge," answered Howe. "I can obtain it for you." "In what way?" "To tell might be to defeat myself. If I obtain the knowledge will you accept it?" "Certainly, and will well reward you." "I want no reward." "No reward? That is incomprehensible." "I would like to be assured of protection should I be suspected and have to fly from the city." "And that protection thou shalt have; his majesty always guards those who serve him." Allan Lloyd thought it strange that if such were the ca se, his majesty had a queer way of guarding those who had fought for him, and whose bodies, in many cas es, had to be buried by their From the time of that interview no more bitter parti san of the British existed than Lloyd. Openly he had to appear patriotic, or he would not be able to obtain the information he desired. He followed Mr. Gardner and his son-in-law, Tern-

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Dolly's Fears. pest, who, of course, was accompanied by Dorothy, to their home. The two men walked by the side of the sedan chair in which Dorothy was carried, and Lloyd followed so close that it was noticeable. "Winthrop, these times are full of peril," said Doro thy, in a whisper. "Indeed they are, and the patriot is never sure how long he may serve his country." "Don't speak like that. But be cautious. There is one following who meaneth not well." "And who may that be?" "One Allan Lloyd." "Thou silly g irl Lloyd was one of the first to con-gratulate me." "He did not mean it." "How canst thou know that?" "I would not trust him. He does not mean you well." Tempest laughed heartily at the fears of his young wife. "Nay, I fear him not. He is a poor, miserable creature, anyway, but as harmle ss as a fly." Allan Lloyd heard the convers ation, or sufficient of it to make him feel more uncomfortable. "I am a miserable creature, am I? Well, Winthrop Tempest, we shall see ." The Gardners' house was reached and Lloyd could not enter. He could find no plausible excuse for so doing, and he had to wait his time. How good it felt to be back in Boston.

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14.8 Dolly's Fears. So thought Tempest, and naturally Dolly agreed with him. Ruth and Mary were delighted at the return of their sister, and especially when they heard how she had been lionized. Then it was nice to have a married sister, and they made much of her. So they ought, for Dorothy had won a name for her self which would never be forgotten As for Winthrop, there was but little rest for him ; his services were valuable, and scarcely had he begun to feel at home that day before a messenger came to bid him repair to headquarters. Like a good soldier he obeyed at once. For three hours he was present at the general's office and listened to th e plans agreed upon for the future. Once Tempest thought he saw the face of Lloyd pressed against the glass, but he laughed at his sus picion. Gen. Washington was not satisfied with having driven the English from Boston; he knew that it was to be war to the death, and Howe must be checkmated, no matter where he had gone with his soldiers. Tempest was given a most important commission, and f e lt fully the responsibility attaching thereto. In his humility he thought the undertaking was too great for him, but Washington, and Prescott, and Put nam knew him, perhaps, better than he knew himself. So absorbed was he in the contemplation of the mis sion he had to undertake that he was out on the street

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"Murder Most Foul." and walking toward the Gardner residence without having conscious knowledge that he had left the Wash ington headquarters. CHAPTER XXVI. M U R D E R M 0 S T F 0 U L ." He little knew that clo se upon his track was one who bore him no good feelin gs. Allan Lloyd followed, his heart filled with hate an d murder. He knew that Tempest would have to pass through the low est quarter of the city, and calculated that a murder more or less would make no outcry. For Allan Lloyd had determined to rid himself of his rival, and then try to abduct Dorothy. Tempest had not proceeded far before he was tapped on the shoulder and a hearty voice accompanied the fri endly salute. "Winthrop Tempest! Good cheer!" "Why, Alden, when in the name of liberty did you come to the city?" John Alden lau ghed in a most hearty manner In fact, whatever he did was done with such earnestness that he became a universal favorite. Men swore by John Alden, and women pointed t o him as their ideal man. He was honest and truthful, never swerving from

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"Murder Most Foul." the line he had l aid dow n and co nsequent ly John Alden's word became as good as another man's bond. He was a neighbor of the Tempests, and rumo r did say that pretty Eva Tempest would some day become Mistress John A ld en. "I guess, Tempest, I was here al most as soon as you. I entered with the general." "You were not with us at Dorchester?" "Winthrop Tempest, why do you make such an as sert ion? I did happen to be standing near a big gun with its priming all ready, and I coul d not resis t ap plying the match What a noise it made I felt sorry for those poor f e llows who were standing in the way of the cannon ball, but I gave them warning ." "Gave them warning?" "Yes, before I applied the match I shouted as loudly as I could: 'Get out of the way, I am going to fire.' "Was that your voice ?" "I thought you would have kno wn it, but yo u did not ev e n recognize my face. I shall have to tell Eva that, when next I write to her." "I did not see you ." "Ha, ha, ha And yet I gave you the pistol which Capt. Williams dropped." "You surprise me, Alde n. I did not recognize you. But your face was so black with powder smoke that you almost looked like an African "Yes, the wors t of firing off gunpowder is, it makes you so dirty." "Whither bound?" asked Tempest. "Dost know the host e lry whose windows over!oolc Faneuil Hall?"

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"Murder Most Foul." "Certainly. Are you staying there?" "It is my abode at present. You, of course, will stay with Maurice Gardner, whose dau ghter-I know all about it-is your wife?" "Yes; will you not come with me? I can assure you a hearty welcome." "Not to-night. I must keep my word with mine host; I told him I should stay at his hostelry this night." "I will walk with you; it is not far from my usual way." "Thy company will be pleasant; I like not the streets of a city." "You prefer the woods round Tempest Haven and Mayfl o wer Gran g e?" queried Tempest. "With thy Sister Eva, yes; alone even it is better than the pitfalls of the city; but tell me, hast thou seen aught of the general since he entered the city?" "I was with him but just now." "With him ?" "Yes, he s ent for me." Allan Lloyd h eard most of the conversation, and he drew near e r h o ping that Tempest would reveal some of the g e ner a l s plans. But Alden wa s too honorable to ask for any breach of confid e nce, and T e mp e st t o o true to th e cause of liberty to m e ntion even to a friend the work intrusted to him. The ho s t elry was reached and the fri e nds ') arted. They arrange d to mee t in the mornin g and bade each other the customary "good-ni ght" and "God bless thee."

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"Murder Most Foul." Lloyd slunk along, keeping in the shadow as much as possible. He was halting in his resolve. If Washington had intrusted some special work to Tempest, it might be better to find out what it was before he put his scheme of murder into execution. When the swing bridge was reached Tempest stopped. He looked back, and Lloyd slunk away into the shadow. But he was scarcely quick enough, for Tempest saw him. With a few long strides he reached him, and with harsh accents asked why he was followed. Lloyd pretended to be surprised. "Followed? Are not the streets of Boston as free to one as to another?" "That is true, Allan Lloyd, but your business could hardly make it necessary for you to skulk along close to my heels--" "You are unfair. I am no skulker." "You pressed your face against the window in Gen. Washington's room." Lloyd trembled. He did not know that he had been seen. "You do not deny it." "Why should I ? I am a native of the city and wanted to see the deliverer near to, hence my curi osity." It seemed plausible and Tempest was ready to accept the excuse.

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"Murder Most Foul." I 53 All might have been well had not Lloyd grown more bold. "What right have you, Winthrop Tempest, to ques tion my doings ? Has the pretty Dorothy turned your head?" "Mention not her name, Lloyd, or I may forget my self." "Hoity-toity, but haven't we grown important! Not mention Dolly! It is absurd! Wonder what the worthy pater will say when he knows that the goody goody Winthrop Tempest abducted his daughter, and so got her to marry him?" Tempest raised his hand, intending to strike, but he let it drop to his side again, for he was adverse to a street brawl. 1.loyd read the action differently. "He is afraid to strike," he thought; "so much the better. I will goad him, and make him jealous." The evil thoughts guided his tongue and his mouth uttered words full of falseness. "Ask Dolly if she would not have preferred to marry me." "Mention her name again and I shall--" "What?" "Mind your own business, Lloyd, or you may find the consequences far from your likin g ." Tempest had kept cool and maintained control over his temper. Lloyd, mistaking the cool manner for cowardice, whispered something in Tempest's ear, and the next instant he was sprawling on the gro und.

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154 "Murder Most Foul." Picking hims e lf up, he fancied that Tempest would have escaped, as any coward would. But Tempest stood there, leaning carelessly against the bridge. Lloyd rushed at him and caught him under the arms. The two, both strong and muscular, wrestled to gether, and for some minutes neith e r gained any ad vanta ge. So silent were the wrestlers that no one was aroused. Not a person came to the doors to look at the conflict, and the st r eets were deserted. Tempest was now thoroughly in earnest; all the passion of his soul was aflame. He knew his danger, and he was fighting against the asperser of an innocent woman. But Lloyd was equally in earnest. Hatred of a successful rival made his muscles firmer, his hands more powerful. H e grappled with his adversary, and once got his fingers tightly closed round Tempest's throat. The young patriot was fast becoming powerless. He was being strangled. His eyes were starting from their sockets, his tongue protrudin g, and in a few minutes the mortal part of the patriot wou ld be but a lifel ess lump of clay. Llo yd was disturbed; he fancied he heard some one comin g. He had no desire to be cau ght in the act of murder, especially as the city was under military law. His shrift would be a short one With almost superhuman strength he lifted the un-

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"Murder Most Foul." conscious patriot in his arms and threw him over the bridge into the water below. If the tide was going out the body would be washed out to sea; if not, Tempest would be dead, and "dead men tell no tales "I was a fool," Lloyd muttered to himself; "had I possessed more patience I might have learned his secrets; but it is done and cannot be undone. I must make the best of it." He sauntered away with an assumption of coolness which showed what a consummate actor the man was. While acknowl e''.;m g his mistake, he had no sorrow for the crime which stained his soul. He had intended murder, and the act did not appall him. He had but one thing more to do. He must capture, by fear means or foul, the widow of the man he had so foully murdered. Such a crime needed careful thought, and he sought his home to rest and meditate. Criminals are supposed to be unable to sleep, but Allan Lloyd slept as calmly as a babe. No dreams haunted him, no specters hovered round his couch, but he continued to slumber until the sun was well up in the heavens.

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CHAPTER XXVII. LLnvo's EFFRONTERY. John Alden presented himself at Maurice Gardner's residence, and inquired for Winthrop Tempest. The merchant looked troubled. "I know not where he may be. All night he was expected. His bride is sorely troubled," answered Gardner. "It is passing strange, for he did ask me to meet him here." "Then mayhap thou art a countryman of his?" "I am John Alden, of Mayflower Grange," answered Alden, as proudly as one might say "I am king." Maurice Gardner knew of the Aldens, and recalled that one of that name had landed from the Mayflower. "My house is honored, for the Tempests and Aldens are links in the chain which bind us to the past." "But sayest thou that Tempest hath not been home?" "I did say so, and it alarmeth me." "I left him last night." "At what hour?" "The watchman called nine of the clock and fine night, as I stood at the door of mine hostelry." "And Winthrop was with thee?" "He was, and bade God bless me as he parted at the door." "Then some evil hath befallen him." "Say not so, father, or I shall die."

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Lloyd's Effrontery. 157 It was Doro thy, who had entered and heard the last sente nce "Dolly J ohn Alden will find Winthrop; depen d upon it, some patriotic wo r k hath detained him ." "No, father. Had th e State n eeded his services he would h ave let me know. Some evi l hath befallen him." "Do not trouble lik e that, Dolly; we live in such times that a f ew hours' abs ence must never be the source of anxiety." "Father, father, let Allan Llo y d be found." "Who is Allan Lloyd ?" "Know you not that young Harvard student who came here with Capt. Markham?" "I do remember. What of him?" "He followed my chair, and his looks told me he planned mischief." "My poor child, the grief hath upset thy mind." "Mr. Alden, will you not find Allan Lloyd? It is he who can tell, if he will, what evil hath befallen-Father, see; there he is-he is coming here-it is evil news he brings." Allan Lloyd was approaching the house. What business could h e have th e re at such a time? Maurice Gardner and John Alden both went to the door. "Worthy sir, I would speak with one Winthrop Tempest, whom r eport hath said is staying here." "He is not here." "Not here? Then r e p or t hath misled me It is a matter of urgence The Committee of Public Safety would like to c onfer w ith h im ."

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\ Lloyd's Effrontery. Maurice Gardner was completely deceived by Lloyd's manner, and believed the story. "Come in, my dear sir. I believe you have been my guest ere now." "Thou sayest truly, worthy sir, but when I was so honored I was with an English captain. Times have changed, and th ey who were welcome then, might be the most unwelcome guests now." He spoke rapidly, but followed Mr. Gardner into the reception hall at the same tima. Dorothy could not restrain her curiosity, and entered the room. "Ah, Mistress Tempest; I was present in Faneuil Hall, and must congratulate you. Gen. Washington ri ghtly says that you have saved the city, and perhaps the whole colony." Allan Lloyd spoke glibly, and a pleasant smile played about his mouth. "Yon all overrate my poor services ; I would lil
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Washington's Trust. 159 Lloyd saw her action and smiled satirically. To himself he muttered that a day would come when she would be willing to listen to whatever he might choose to say. Turning to Mr. Gardner he addressed himself to him: "You have no idea, then, where I can find Winthrop Tempest?" "No, sir. "Then I must so report to the committee and to Gen. washington. Good-day, sir ." Allan Lloyd had satisfied himself that Tempest had not escaped a watery death. He had questioned the people near the dock as closely as he had dared, and no one had seen any body floating about. He left the mansion well pleased with himself, and, as he had been invited to call on the merchant, he was more than satisfied with his morning's work. CHAPTER XXVIII. WASHINGTON'S TRUST. "The city's defenses must be strengthened It must never again fall into the hands of the British." The speaker was a king among men-the immortal Washington. Round him were gathered the leaders of the revo lution

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160 Washington's Trusr. So successful had been all the operations since the Virginian had taken command that those who were inclined to grumble now readily gave him their al legiance. There was considerable jealousy among the colonists at first. Massachusetts Bay-as that colony was calledwanted a New England nation, and looked with sus picion upon Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. The manners and customs were entirely different, and even the people were of different caliber and origin. To acknowledge a Virginian as commander was at first distasteful. But the Congress had adopted as a flag, or rather emblem, a rattlesnake cut into thirteen pieces, eac h representing a colony and bearing the words underneath, "Unite or Di e And Benjamin Franklin had eloquently argued in favor of a federal union, taking the rattlesnake as his text. "The rattlesnake is found nowhere but in America," he said "Her eye is exceedingly bright, and without eyelids; it is the emblem of vigilance. She n eve r begins an attack and never surrenders-emblems of magnan imity and courage. She never wounds her enemies till she generously gives th em warningnot to tread on her, which is emblematical of the spirit of the p eop le who inhabit her country. She appears apparently weak and defenseless, but her weapons are nevertheless for midable. Her p oiso n is the necessary means for the digestion of her food, but certain d e struct i o n to her enemies, showing the power of Americ a n resource s.

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Washington's Trust. Her thirteen rattles, the only part which increases in number, are distinct from each other, and yet so united that they cannot be disconnected without breaking them to pieces, showing the impossibility of an Ameri can nation without a union of States. A single rattle will give no sound alone, but the rattling of the thir teen together is sufficient to startle the boldest man alive. She is beautiful in youth, which increaseth with her age. Her tongue is forked like the lightning, and her abode is among the impenetrable rocks." The eloquent speech had its effect, and the rattle snake flag taught a new l ess on. It quenched jealousy and gave the people faith in the Virginian. Washington pointed out with succinct brevity his plan for strengthening the defenses. All agree d with him, for he had covered every point. "There is but one thing of which I am in doubt," he said, "and that I shall solve within a few days. Capt. Tempest has been intrusted with a most important mission, and he will report as early as possible." "You place great trust in that young man," said Gen. Greene. "He is as secret as the grave and as truthful as the sun itself. I would never tmst in man again were it possible for him to fail me," answered the Virginian, with warmth. After some further discussion Washington ordered Gen. Lee to repair to Connecticut and take the militia to New York, where he would join him at the earliest time. The conference of generals was a prolonged one,

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Washington's Trust. and it was l ate in the afternoon before the officers re turned to their respective quarters. An orderly entered Washington's room. "A citizen wishes an audience with you." "What is the nature of his business?" "He refus ed to state, saying that it was so important that only could he deliver it to you alone." ""What is his name?" "That he declined to give ." "Are you sure he is a citizen?" "I am not sure, but he speaketh not as an English man." "I will see him." The briefest space of time elapsed ere Allan Lloyd entered the presence of the general. What a contrast between the two men! Washington-dignified, proud and manly; Lloydcringing shrinking and afraid to raise his eyes. "I ask your excellency not to r equire my name, neither to divulge what I have to say." "Your name is a small matter. I care not what it is; but to your second condition I cannot agree." "But the information is important." "No matter what its importance, its secrecy or divul gence must be l eft entirely to my discretion." "But if I decline-" "Sir! I did not invite this interview; you are at liberty to retire." Lloyd saw that the man he was dealing with would not stoop to any low artifice. "You know Capt. Tempest," he commenced, bluntly. "I do."

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Washington's Trust. "He has disappeared." "I know it." "But you do not know whither he went." "I think I do. \Vhatever you have to say, say quickly, as time is precious It was no use equivocating. Lloyd saw that, to be believed, he must speak quickly and to the point. "You intrusted him with a special mission. If he failed you, by divulging particulars, your aim would be defeated." "Well?" "He is the false to you, as he has been false to his dearest friends." "Take care, sir. The man who would speak evil behind another's back is scarcely better than an assassin ." "You want proof?" "Proof or apology." "Last ni g ht he did tell several of the miss10n, and instead of returning to his young bride, he has gone to the Eng li s h camp." "As s e rti o n sir and not proof." "Se nd for Mistress Tempe s t and she will tell you that h e r hu s b a nd has not b een home all ni ght or to day. Ask J o hn Alden wh e ther he was not made the confidant of this young upstart? Proofs can be ob tained, but they are for your seeking. I have done my duty as a citizen in warning you." "I thank you for your warning. Good-day." No sooner had Lloyd left Washington's presence than the general rung for his orderly.

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Washington's Trust. "Have that man shadowed. I require to know every where he go es, and every person with whom he speaks." "It shall be done, general." Althou g h Washington doubted Lloyd, it must be acknowledged that he was completely upset by the in sinuations and hints thrown out. "A lady, general, wishes to see you." "A lady ?-her name?" "She refused to give it, general." "Another?" murmured Washington; "who can it be, and what can be her business?" Dorothy Tempest, h eavily veiled, entered the room. "Pardon me, Gen. Washington, for this unladylike intrusion !" "Mistress Tempest is always welcome. Pray be seat ed, and at your leisure tell me h ow I can serve you ." "Oh, sir, I am so unhappy! My husband--" "Yes, what of him?" "I fear me evil hath b efalle n him." "Why so?" "Last night he never returned." "Ah!" "And never sent any message." "But to-day?" "Alas I have not seen him. His friends are trou bled: my father is sore vexed, and I have cried all night and all day "It is passing strange !" "He has been killed !" "Killed?"

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Tempest's Abode. "Oh, sir, do not say I am frantic or crazed! There is a man who hates him, and who would do him harm!" "Who is it ?" "He bears the name of Allan Lloyd." "Why does he bear hatred to winthrop Tempest?" Dorothy blushed, but for her husband's sake she an-swered truly: "He was a suitor for my hand. I did not love him, but I did love Winthrop, and when I refused his ad dresses, he said that-that"-she burst into tears-"he would kill anyone"-sob-"whom I"-sob-"mar ried !" "What is this man, this Lloyd, like?" Dorothy, between her sobs, tried to describe him. "He has just l ef t me," an swered the general. "Leave everythin g to me, and I will solve the mystery of your husband 's absence." CHAPTER XXIX. TEMPEST'S ABODE. When Winthrop Tempest fell into the water of the dock he was unconscious, and the water did not revive him. Fortunately, a boatman was n ea r by in his boat, and saw something fall into the water. His first impression was that some royalist had thrown over a bag of valuables in order to save them from the Americans, for it was universally believed

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166 Tempest 's A b ode. b y the uneducated that when the patriots entere d t h e city they wo u ld confiscate everything belonging t o the E n glish and their partisans. "An' why shouldn't I get them vallybles ?" sai d the b oatman "Anyway, I'll try a n have them; it is worth a ri sk He quie t ly pulled to the spot where he had see n the s plash pulled so quietly that Allan Lloyd did not hear h im and saw, not the little eddy ing circles c ause d by a sunken package, but a human body "Oho! By all the saints on the calendar, I'm in luck. A man, murdered, an' I find it out. I'll get the reward an' eve r ybody i n Boston will c ome to see me It'll be good for trade A n d with these sordid motives actuating him, the bo atman pulled Tempest into the boat "Holy saints !" muttered the b oatman "he i s not d ead What'll I do with him?" He p u lled at the oars and l et the boat glide gently o ve r the water "If I put him ashore someone'll say I did i t m ean in g that he would be accused of the attempted murde r -"an' if I don't what'll I do with him?" I t was a perplexing question, and a most diffi cult situation "Anyway, I can't stay here all n i ght, so here g o es; I must take him h ome. Tempest la y p erfectly motionless at the bottom of the b oat, and when the little landin g place was reache d Mark Adzfe lt the b oatm an, had to lift him from t h e b oat as he would a child Mark carri e d his burden into an old warehouse.

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Tempest's Abode. It was not an inviting residence, except for the rats which scampered all over the floor as Mark entered. With as much t enderness as he could command he laid Tempest on the floor and commenced to undress him. "He'll never get better with those togs on," he said, while he worked. When he had stripped the young patriot he set to work to find a suit of clothes which would fit him. From a heap of old garments which, by the way, he had bought for rags, he managed to find some which were fairly decent. A pair of red breeches-easy to put on, because sev eral times too large-a green coat, which had once been lavishl y trimmed with gold braid, but now only showing where the trimming had been by the shade of the cloth. A shirt, whose texture was very coarse and ragged, as well as dirty, had to do duty During all this time of undressing and dressing, Tempe st did not regain con scious ness. He had been stunned as he fell, and his brain was completely benumbed. When Mark had c o mpl eted the clothing of his "find," as he call ed Tempest, he lau g hed heartily. "His own mother wouldn t know him," he said, after which ori g inal r emark he lau ghed again. And yet the remark was not a j es t, it was painfully true. Tempest was transformed, and was not improved in appearance. Mark looke d at his guest lon g and earnes tly. "I wonder who he can be," he mused. "I guess

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168 Tempest's Abode. somebody'll send the crier round after him, an' I'll make a few dollars." Leaving Tempest alone, Mark a g ain entered his coat and rowed across to the oth e r side of the dock. He had not been gone long before Tempest raised his hand to his eyes and rubb e d them with considerable en ergy. "Have I been dreaming?" he asked himself, his eyes still closed. "I must have been, but yet I do not re member coming to bed. Where is Delly?" Then, with a sudden energy he called: "Dolly Dolly, where are you?" He dropped his hand, and it fell, not on a soft bed, but o n a cold, wet and slimy floor. "By my father's beard! where am I?" He was startled by the echo of his ow n voice, and more so when a rat, tamer than its fellows, came and sat on his hand, inserting its teeth with leisurely sharp n ess into th e flesh. Now that was treatment even a patriot soldier could not stand. T empest could endure a bullet wound, a sabe r cut, o r a bayonet thrust uncomplainingly, but the bite of a rat was too much, and he shri eked out with the pain He stood up; but he was too weak to remain perpendicular, and he only saved him self from falling by again l ying down. He was worried He had a vague idea of having been thrown into the water, but the preceding or succeeding events were a blank page to him The vaultlike warehouse was so dark that he could

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Tempest's Abode. not even see his own figure, and therefore he knew not at first that his clothes had been changed He thought they felt very "baggy," but his brain was too benumbed for him to notice very much. He knew he was alone, for although he called sev eral times he received no answer. Sleep weighed down his senses, and he felt it woul d be wiser to give way, and when he awoke he might be very much refreshed and his brain clearer. Mark r eturne d before morning, and found his guest sleeping calmly. "He ain't dead, an' that's somethin'. I guess he w ill tell me who he is. But do I want to know? Will it pay me to know? That's what I ain't sartin about Meditating on this difficult problem the strange occupant of the vault fell asleep Mark Adzfelt did not dream, neither did he snore He had trained himself to be silent in everything he did, both sleeping and waking He was a night bird, and knew that oftentimes the slightest noise would lead to his capture by the night watchman, and there were many things in Mark's life which would not sound well if rehearsed before a judge and jury. When Tempest woke the place was so dark and silen t that he still thought he w2.s alone. The very silence made him more drowsy, and he again fell asleep When ne x t he awoke a tiny stream of light was struggling with the darkness of the vault. Tempest looked round. At first eve ryth ing was blurred and indistinct, but gradually, as his eyes be-

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170 Tempest's Abode. came accustomed to the darkness, he was startled at the sight of his surroundings In one corner he saw a great heap of rags, filthy and unpleasant looking. In another was a heap of old iron-scraps of all kinds-pieces of explosive shells and cannon balls, mingled with the more domestic pokers, fire grates and other sundry ironwork. Then there were suits of clothes, some worthless, <>thers of a small value; but what caused the greatest heartache to the patriot was the sight which met his 'View when he turned over and faced the wall near which he was lying. Heaped together he saw quite a number of uniforms, British and American, and he instinctively knew that they had been stolen from dead bodies. All this time he had never thought of his own attire. Then he lo oked at his lower extremities, and saw that he was barefooted and stockingless, but that he had on a pair of red breeches. He lo oked at his coat, and the ridiculous combination made him lau g h, thou g h he was most miserable. "How came I into this awful place?" he asked him self; but strain his brain as he would, he could not solve the mystery. He must escape; but though he was keenly alive to the necessity of finding a way out, he was weak and powerless. He fell asleep and dreamed of the whole scene he had gazed upon, and in his sleep he thought he was at home, and that th e vaultlike warehouse, with all its horrors, only existed in the phantasy of sleepland.

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CHAPTER XXX. DOLLY'S MISHAP. Gen. Washington was more than puzzled over the disappearance of his favorite. Lloyd had been shadowed, but no clew could be ob tained as to Tempest's whereabouts. Several of the American officers veered round to the opinion that Lloyd was ri ght and that Tempest was really a traitor. Among the most plausible arguments used in support of that view were those given utterance to by G e n. Benedict Arnold. This officer said he looked at the matter from a com mon-sense standpoint. "Explain yourself, sir," said Washington, almost sternly. "Winthrop Tempest is young, and therefore ambi tious," he b e gan. "What more natural than that he should reason in this way: 'The American side is right, but the people are weak. The y will not be able to cont end a g ainst the soldiers Eng land will s e nd. In the end the colonies will be beat en. Then why not join wit h the English, and as a g o od p a t r i o t I may be able to soft e n the con queror s h eart and obtain better terms for my countr y .' "And you think that Winthrop Tempest would argue in that way? aske d the general. "I think it quite likely."

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Dolly's Mishap. "Then, sir, you do not know "Winthrop Tempest He is an enthusiast as well as a soldier. He would rather die a martyr to the cause of his country than have all the wealth of England given to him. His greatest ambition is to fight for his country, not against it." But though Washington spoke thus warmly, and felt just as sincerely, he yet could not help wondering whether, after all, there might not be some plausibility in the suspicion given utterance to by Benedict Arnold. For several days the search for Tempest was fruitl ess. Washington was in despair. Sweet little Dorothy Tempest again craved an audi ence, and the general with sad heart granted her re quest. "I ask a favor, Gen. Washington." "It is granted, before you ask it." "Nay, sir, but I would ask thee to keep my secret." "I will, Mistress T empest ." She blushed as the name was mentioned, for she had.as yet scarcely b e come accustomed to it. "I wish a passport from you A free pass through the American lines, and a guarantee of protection." "Is that all ?" "I mean to find Capt. Tempest," she said, "and I may place myself in danger. I want to feel sure I shall have your protection." "It shall be g iven." Dolly told Washington of her plans, and he sought to dissuade her; but she was obdurate and oppositio n only mad e h e r the more d e termined. After she left, the general privately gave instruc-

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Dolly's Mishap. 173 tions for a trusty man to follow her and see to her safety under all and every condition. Dolly retired to a friend's house, and when she emerged she had discarded the habiliments of her sex and appeared dressed as a boy. And a most charming boy she looked. All unconscious that she was being followed, she walked with a swaggering gait into the district in the center of which stood Faneuil Hall. She entered a coffee house and boldly ordered a cup of coffee and the latest newspaper. Her voice was well trained, and she readily adapted it to the necessities of the occasion. One of the first to enter the coffee house was Allan Lloyd. She had watched him before, and knew the house was a favorite resort of his. Allan Lloyd looked around nervously, for he had become easily frightened and very suspicious of every one. He caught sight of Dolly sitting in one of the boxes. The boy-for so she appeared to him-was a better companion than some of the roysterers who frequented the place. He, without any apology, sat opposite to her and ordered his coffee "Any news, young sir?" asked Lloyd. "Nothing in the paper, except a reward offered by the general." "A reward?" "Yes, for the discovery of the murderer of one Winthrop Tempest--" "Murderer?"

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Dolly's Mishap. "Yes; shall I read the piece which is in the paper?" "No-it is no matter. When was the body found?" Dolly gave a start as Lloyd uttered the words. But she recovered herself quickly. "It does not say, but it is believed--The paper does not say so, but a friend of mine who visits the Province House says so." "Says what?" "Did I not say?" "No. Why don't you tell me? You must know that everyone is interested." "I do not see why One man more or less makes but little difference." "But you said this-Temper-is not that his name?" "Tempest." "Ah, yes-was murdered." "It is said so, and the evidence--But I am talk ing too much to a stranger." "Boy, it is well to be discreet, but you can trust me. Thou art a comely youth; wouldst thou hadst a sister as comely." "I have, and I would like to meet with some other man's sister as comely and pleasing. But, as I was saying, the murderer will not escape. He is known--" "Known!" "Suspected, I should say, and he cannot leave the city. He is to be captured alive if possible, but dead if need be." "You startle me. An innocent man might be sus pected--" "Yes, but no innocent man would want to sneak out of the city."

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Dolly's Mishap. "What is the suspected man s name?" "It is a secret." "Do you know it?" "Hush! I do." "Tell me." "It would not be a secret then." "You can trust me." "You won t tell anyone ?" "No." "On your honor?" "On my honor." "Allan Llo y d 175 Lloyd gav e a start; his hands trembled and the blood forsook his fac e "You look ill," suggested Dolly. "I am not well. A little heart trouble. This coffee always upsets me; the sur g e o n always tells me not to drink it, but I do, because I like it. "Even the aroma upsets you, I see, for you have not tasted your coffee." It was a cruel suggestion, and the suspected man became more agitated than before. "What mak e s them susp ect-this-this Al--" "Allan Llo y d," added D o lly. "You see, it was known that Llo y d followed Tempest, sn e aked after him, I mean and that they quarrel ed, and Lloyd--' .. "Did not push him over purposely." Do!ly was almost ready to faint, for Lloyd had con fessed enough to give her ground to work upon. She rose, and after saying how delightful it was to meet with such pleasant company, and expressing a

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Dolly's Mishap. hope that they would meet again, she left the coffee house, and sauntered along over the drawbridge. "Push him over," she repeated. "Push him over! could it have been here? If so the body ought to have been found. Was it washed out to sea? I will talk to these people along the dock; they may know some thing." Almost the first person she accosted was Mark Adz felt, and her first sentence defeated her very object, for she spoke of Tempest as having been murdered. Mark was as cunning as any man in all Boston. His business was a shady one, and every day he rendered himself liab l e to punishment, hence his cau tion in all his conversations. Dolly stood at the door of the warehouse and asked about her husband. Little did she think that he was within twenty feet, but he heard her not, and while she was asking about him he was about giving up all hope of release or escape. "Murdered, was he? Then, young sir, you may be sure that the tide has taken the body out to sea. Was he your brother?" "Yes." Dolly answered without a thought. Having asserted that relationship, she thought it best to continue the d e ception; it would g ive color and cause to her anxiety At every warehouse and every house she asked about Tempest, but was no nearer to finding him than when she left the general's head quarters. Had she contented herself with walking along the

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Dolly's Mishap. 177 streets all would have been well, but she entered a large warehouse and passed through it into the next street. The soldier commissioned to protect her waited for her return in vain. Dolly, grown more confident in her disguise, en tered another disused warehouse and searched for the caretaker or anyone who might be there. The place was dark and miserable, and she shuddered as she penetrated its noisome solitude. She turned to leave when she found herself face to face with Allan Lloyd. A little scream escaped her, and Lloyd laughed. "Aha! Mistress Dolly, you thought you deceived me in the coffee house, but I knew you. And now, my pretty boy, you are my prisoner. Don't scream, for if you do you'll never scream again. I am desperate." "Sir, let me go." "Not likely. I have played heavy stakes for you, and now I have you. You are mine now whether it pleaseth you or not." As he uttered the last words he threw his loose cloak over her head to stifle any cry, and raising her in his arms he carried her farther into the old warehouse.

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CHAPTER XXXI. "THEY FIGHT LIKE PATRIOTS." 'While Washington was strengthening the defenses of Boston and arranging for the protection of the New England States, as well as New York, the English were receiving reinforcements and determined on most ener getic action. It was known at last to the British that the whole country was in revolt. It was not New England, but the entire thirteen colonies. Virginia and the Carolinas were just as rebellious as Massachusetts, and it was resolved to strike at the South, and after subjugating the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia, march through the land and drive Wash ington across the border into Canada, whe r e he could easily be beaten In the light of the present year, it is most amusing to go back to the newspapers of 1776. So confident were the British, that some of them actually published a time table showing the exac t date when Washington would be hanged as a rebel. Charleston was to be captured and the ringleaders of the rebellion hanged, then the triumphant march was to comm ence. Sir Peter Parker, in command of a second fleet, with Lord Cornwallis at the head of a force of two thousand

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"They Fight Like Patriots." r79 five hundred m en, joined Sir Henry Clinton, and the British were jubilant. Some went so far as to complain of the extravagance of sending so many soldiers to whip a few ragged peasants. "Washington's ragged army" became a standing jest, and caricatures of the general and his men were published in every English country paper. The Carolinians knew all this, and remained silent. They quietly armed themselves and flocked to Charleston. When the English general heard of it he laughed until the tears streamed from his eyes. "Rats in a trap!" he kept repeating. Even Burgoyne, who was more elegant m his expressions, exclaimed: "Why, they will be shot down like game in a battue." For Howe amt Burgoyne attributed their loss of Boston to an insufficiency of men. The Carolinians fortified the city, and hastily built a fort on Sullivan's Island, which commanded the en trance to the harbor The British squadron came in sight on the fourth of June, and a strong detachment was landed on Long Island, a short distance from Fort Sullivan. "They mean business," said Sir Henry Clinton, y.rhen he saw the fort. "Poor fellows how much energy they are wasting," replied Sir Peter Parker. "Yes; but it is almost a pity to destroy their fortress ; it would be easily made impregnable, if we were within it.

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180 "They Fight Like Patriots." "There will be no need to destroy it. A few shots and the rebels will run." The British officers laughed and made merry. But more cautious ideas prevailed, and no attack was made on the fort until the twenty-eighth of the month. Delay was greatly to the advantage of the Americans. They did not neglect their opportunities. They drilled assiduously and practiced with their guns daily, taking aim at imaginary soldiers, but never firing a shot, because ammunition was too valuable to be wasted. Col. Moultrie, who commanded the garrison of four hundred militia at Fort Sullivan, saw that there would be a stiff fight. Every day he talked to his men, and prevented their courage from ebbing away. It was well that he did, for some began to get tired of waiting. News was brought to Col. Moultrie of the doings in the North, and he called the garrison together. "Men, Carolinians! we may be fighting for more than we know," he commenced. "I have just had news from the Continental Congress, now sitting in Philadelphia. Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, has offered a resolution in Congress, declaring that the united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." There was a vociferous outburst of cheering from the garrison at the announcement. "That they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown," Col. Moultrie continued, "and that all

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"They Fight Like Patriots." r 8 I political connection between them and Great Britain is, and ought to be, dissolved." Then there was more cheering. It was the grandest stimulant ever given to men fighting for freedom. "It has not passed the Congress," continued Moul trie, "for many are opposed to it, but a committee con sistin g of Thomas Jefferson, J ohn Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Rob ert Livingston, has been appointed to report b efo r e the first of July. The news was good, and had the garrison at Fort Sullivan been given the power to decide the question, ind ependence would have been voted that day. On the early morning of the twenty-eighth the Brit ish fleet commenced a furious bombardment of the fortress. Col. Moultrie was ready. He was a s hrewd far-seeing officer, and almost in stantly discerned the object of the British. While the bombardment was proceeding three men of-war we re quietly working past the fort into the harbor. Moultrie had been watching the movement, for he had half expected it. "Train your guns on those three ships," he commanded. There was a slight murmur, for some thought the fort would be destroyed while they were attending to the ships. Moultrie heard the murmur and r epeated the com mand. The guns were turned on the ships, and with good results.

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182 "They Fight Like Patriots." Endeavoring to get out of the reach of the guns the men-of-war got stranded and rendered entirely useless Sir Henry Clinton was furious. The siege had not been so easy as he had believe d. The raw recruits in the fort fought as well as trained soldiers. "Ford the channel and carry the fort by assault !" he commanded The English soldiers, always ready to obey, howeve r difficult the task may be, entered the water. They forded until they were submerged to their waists, and the undertow was carryin g some of them off their feet. But they had not been ordered to retreat, and wo uld not do so. To go farther was imposs i ble, unless they gave up all thoughts of keeping their guns and ammunition dry. Suddenly a volley was fired from the opposite bank. It came upon them by surprise. Col. Thompson, with his gallant Carolinian riflemen, had been waiting just such an opportunity. Fierce and fast fell the bullets, and the water was fast being dyed with blood, for Thompson's marksmen very seldom missed their mark. It was not a retreat of the English, but a rout. Helter-skelter they rushed back through the water, anxious to escape the dangers they h ad encountered The British men-of-war poured a t empes t of balls in cessantly on the fort, but its walls, built of the spongy palmetto, were uninjured. "A medal to the one who can cut down that flag!"

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"They Fight Like Patriots." 183 shouted Sir Peter Parker, pointing to the rattlesnake flag which floated above the fort Several guns were train ed upon it, but for some time it resisted all the assaults. A ball, however, b ette r aimed, cut the flagstaff in two, and the American flag fell outside the parapet. There was a loud cheer from the English, but the cheering did not last lon g, for a brave American, Sergt. Jaspe r, leaped down from the wall and recovered the flag. He waved it above his head and amid the greatest enthu siasm the flag was again thrown to the breeze from a new flagstaff. For eight hours the firing continu ed, and when dusk came the British had only succeeded in wasting a great amount of ammunition. The royalist governor of Carolina, Lord Campbell, was on board Admiral Parker's flagship. He stood talking to the admiral, and urged more active measures. "The f e llows won't fight long. They will get tired," he said. "They do not act that way," answered Parker. "No, not yet. They are havin g it their own way. Tire them out, and leave the rest to me." "What would you do?" "Do? Why, hang a score of th e ringleaders, and shoot a hundre d more; the r est I would sell as slaves to the Barbadoes." The unkind threat uttered by the governor consti tuted his last spee ch.

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I 84 "They Fight Like Patriots A well-directed shot struck him in the side, and in the gre. atest agony he expired. Admiral Parker bent over him to raise his head, when another bullet sped on its course, and the admiral was severely, though not fatally, wounded. Clinton caught hold of Burgoyne. "It is all over." "What is?" "We are beaten." "Not yet." "Yes, we c an not stand another hour." "What do you propose?" "Leaving the rebels alone, and setting sail for New York." "It is, I am afraid, our only course." "I see no other, and had they good boats we should never reach the North." "They fight like patriots." "Yes, Burgoyne, and I am beginning to think that as they fight now, they will to the end, and the colonies will be lost to the mother country." "You do not think so?" "Indeed I do France may step in and offer protec tion in exchange for allegiance ; but if I mistake not the English flag will not float here another year." "That is a dire prophecy. "I fancy it is a true one ." The order to retire was given, and the losses were counted. The Engli s h had suffered a loss of more than two hundred men, and their vessels were considerably shat tered.

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Tempest's Rescue. A few days after the siege was altogether abandoned, and the British set sail for New York. Fort Sullivan was called after its gallant defender, and as Fort Moultrie it became a monument to a great hero. CHAPTER XXXII. TEMPEST'S RESCUE. John Alden, of Mayflower Grange, was one of the most miserable men in Massachusetts. While the patriots were distinguishing themselves in Long Island and in Carolina, he was left behind in the New England capital on garrison duty. John Alden wanted active service. Boston was as free from attack as any city could be, and it was a matter of great doubt whether Howe or Burgoyne or Cornwallis would care to measure swords with the sturdy New Englanders after the experience of a few weeks ago. To a soldier garrison duty is always obnoxious. To lead an idle life while others are fighting; to hear, as it were, the boom of cannon and the sharp ping of the rifles, and to have one's sword kept in the scabbard and rifle at r est, is alwa ys irksome. Alden devoted much time to writing. He was every day busy describing the city and its surroundings for the benefit of Eva T e mpest, who was evidently never weary o f re a ding the lengthy l e tters, for she always, in

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186 Tempest's Rescue her replies, complained that Ald e n s letters were too short. He had come to the conclusion that Winthrop Tempest was dead, and had mingled his tears with those of Eva over the loss of this estimable young man. There is something bordering on the humorous in the letters at that stage, for we find Alden writing: "The bl otch is caused by a tear, which would fall when I wrote Winthrop's name." And in Eva's letter she said: "The blotch is larger than it was, for I could not help another t ear falling on the same p l ace." Alden, n ot to be outdone, declared that he would give his l eft hand to possess that pap e r on which thei r tears had mingled, and Eva, trusting to the distance between Temp es t Haven and Boston to hide her maidenly blu shes, answered, with winsome coquetry, that he must not give up his hand, but she would give him hers when he wanted it, and added, with swe et innocence: "Then you can see the tears as they fall." The young soldier vowed they shou ld n ever drop on the p a per for he would kiss them away. And so John Alden occupied the irksome hours of garrison lif e by writing to, and reading letters from, pretty Eva T empe st. But some p ortio n of the day had to be devoted to military duties, and the brave Puritan never shirked his work. A large quantity of ammunition had been sent into Boston for shipment to New York, or wherever the command erin -chief needed it. Warehouse room was n eeded and John Alden, in-

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Tempest's Rescue. stead of deputing others to do the work, started off himself to find a suitable storage place. He walked along the docks and entered many a vault like structure, but so many of them were damp that he at once voted them unsuitable Mark Adzfelt heard of the visit being made, and he knew not what to do. His prisoner was still within the walls, and Mark was afraid to liberate him. That Tempest was crazy, he had no manner of doubt, but crazy men are sometimes dangerous, and Tempest might have noticed some of the i ''i cit business carried on by Mark, and so, by telling, l ead the man's arrest. Mark locked up the old warehouse and left the neigh borhood. The very precaution he had taken to prevent Alden entering was the one thing which caused a more searching investigation The young officer, seeing the door locked, called on his men to halt. "This must be occupied," he said, "or it would not be lock ed. Who knows its owner?" No one answered for the soldiers were just as ignorant as the office r. "Break in the door, in the name of the United Colonies." The order was not unwelcome. The soldiers placed their shoulders against the door and push ed vigorously, but the door was made of good north country oak, and the hinges were of heavy wrought iron.

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188 Tempest's Rescue. On the dock side a log of wood was seen. The soldiers almost shouted with joy as soon as their eyes beheld it. Using it as a battering-ram they drove it against the door with terrific force The hinges creaked, but the door withstood the first assault. "Another, men! In the name of the United Col onies!" The second blow was given with such energy that the door fell, and the soldiers, by the impetus, went with it. They laughed good-humoredly and rose to their feet. "Forward, march!" ordered Alden, leaving one sol dier, however, at the door The strange conglomeration of stores found in the warehouse astonished Alden, but his hair almost stood on end when a groan, unmistakably human, fell upon his ear. "Halt!" "Did you hear it?" he asked. "Yes." "What was it?" "A groan!" "I thought so. In the name of God and the United Colonies, answer, who are you?" A voice, feeble but still clear, replied: "I was Winthrop Tempest." There was something awful in the reply. Alden rushed about almost frantic, and was some time before he could discover anyone. The soldiers quaked with fear.

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Tempest's Rescue. The voice sounded as from the grave supernat ural, and they murmured their prayers. But huddl ed in a h eap in one corn er, John Alden found a human being. "What ails thee, friend?" asked the soldier. With alm os t a cry of j oy the answer came m the form of another question. "Am I a wake? Art thou J ohn Alden?" "Tempest, can it be poss ibl e Thank Heaven for this meeting, but how came you here?" "Am I dreaming?" Tempest asked, wearily and faintl y "No. Of a verity it i s no dream," roared Alden, then s eeing the weakness of his fri end he called to the soldiers. "Bear him gently to the door Methinks some pure air would invigorate him. Tempest-a complete wreck as compared with what he had been-flushed slightly as th e cool, clear breeze from the water fanned hi s face. "Thou art b ette r already. Men, canst thou bear him to the Province House ?" "Ay, c ap tain that w e can." Tempes t had b ecome uncon scious and when he awoke he found himself lyin g o n a most comfortable bed in the Province House He was emaciated and weak. Every few minutes h e relap sed into a state of coma 1bord e rin g on death A skilled physician was called in, and Alden sent a message to Mistress Dorothy. The answer was a startling one.

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190 A Magnanimou s Englishman. "For a week no tidings hath been heard of Mistres s Dorothy Tempest. It grieveth us much, for we fear that she hath fallen into the hands of the enemy ." What did it mean? Alden, leaving Tempest in good hands, went at once to Maurice Gardner's house, where he l earned that Dorothy had started forth over a week before w ith the avo wed i ntention of searching for her husband. Maurice Gardner was overjoyed at the finding of his son-in-law, and insisted that h e should be brought home at the earliest possible moment. He accompanied Alden to the Province House, and was almost as hysterical as a woman would have been. A few days elapsed before T e mpest could tell his story, and when he did the military governor g ave ord e rs for every house to be sea rch ed for Allan Lloyd. John Alden made all his preparations hastily but effectively, and the search parties started out that very ev e nin g There was but little chance of Lloyd escaping, if he was still in the city. CHAPTER XXXIII. A MAGNANIMOUS ENGLISHMAN. We must go back a little in order t o follow the for tunes of Dorothy. "Scream, and I 'll kill you!" exclaimed Allan Lloyd,

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A Magnanimous Englishman. 191 as he placed her with considerable force on the floor of the warehouse. Dorothy saw that she was completely in his power, and thought her wisest plan was to acquiesce in the order given and bide her time. "Why am I the victim of this outrage?" she asked, as calmly as she possibly could. Lloyd looked at her, and mutte red to himself: "She is divinely beautiful. Win her I will and must." Aloud he answered her question: "Outrage? I do not recognize it as such. Fair mis tress, I love you, and have done so long and truly-Nay, speak not till I am through. I lost you; another was more favored, but I swore that I would win you, and I have done it." "Won me? No! Captured me, as you would a prisoner or a slave, yes. You know, Allan Lloyd, it is only the p owe r of a brute, a demon in the form of a man, that keeps me here. Were I as strong as you, or were I armed, thy victory would be a small one. What dost thou mean ?" "I captur ed you, if the words suit better. All is fair in love. You are free--" "Free? "Did you not know that Winthrop Tempest has been dead th ese t wo weeks ?" "Didst thou murder him two weeks agone ?" Lloyd laughed, and endeavored to draw Dorothy toward him. "Touch me and I'll tear your face to pieces," she scream ed in affright.

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' 192 A Magnanimous Englishman. "Oh, my lady, your high tragedy might suit the Gen. Burgoyne, who liketh an actress, but I know the sex_, and thou shalt be mine, even if I have to starve-ay, starve you into subjection." "Do you call yourself a man ?" "I am satisfied to be called anything, now that I have you." "Fiend! Monster!" "Don't call names, you'll be sorry for it. Now listen, Mistress Dorothy. I can give thee position and wealth. Accept, and to-night we leave the city. Thy husband is dead, so thou art free. Refuse, and here shalt thou stay alone-" "Alone?" she repeated, with a glad cry. "Ay, alone, save for the rats. Don't go into that corner," pointing across the warehouse. "Why?" "Curious? Well, I'll tell you; the rats have a feast there. A woman was brought here; she struggled for a time, but became weak, and the rats killed her and have nearly eaten her by this time." "Happy woman Better to be food for rats than to be thy slave." "Ah! sayest thou so? Then the rats shall be thy company. Fare thee well for a few hours. When next I see thee, thy words will be fairer, and thy looks more loving." She heard the man leave the warehouse, and knew that he had secured the door. Although she had declared that rats had fewer terrors for her than he had, she burst into tears when she knew she was alone.

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A Magnanimous Englishman. 193 She was terribly afraid of rats. Was it a fiction, or did Lloyd speak the truth about them? Her brain was becoming frenzied under the excite ment. It was with difficulty that she could restrain her emotion. She felt that to scream would be a great relief, but she was afraid to do so, for fear Lloyd might return and force his presence upon her. For an hour she stood still. Every noise, however slight, startled her and made her blood run cold. She was becoming insane. She knew that her brain must give way under such tension, and unless she wished to become a maniac she must rouse herself. Her first desire was to escape. She moved away from the place where she had remained all that fearful time, and tried to reach a wall. The place was dark. She could only be guided by feeling. As she stepped forward a rat crawled over her foot and scampered away. How her heart beat She screamed frantically, and scores of rats were frightened by the noise. Alas I it was true, the place was literally swarming with rats-savage, relentless enemies, she knew they must be. How she reached the wall she could never remember, but she succeeded, and groping her way along, found a doorway.

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1 94 A Magnanim ous Engl ishman B u t her puny strength would not move it. She pro c eeded farther round, hoping to find another doo r Again her i nstinct guided her aright, but the d oor was securely fastened, and escape was impossible. Weary and exhausted, she fell on t he ground a nd was soon asleep. Slumber was refreshing even to her at such a ti me and thoughts of rats and human monsters were banis h e d by the soothing wand of Morpheus A l ittle glimmer of light shining through a small w in dow told her that morning had dawned There was just sufficient light to show her how h or rible the place really was. But there was an advantage in that light; it gave he r renewed courage, although there seemed no way of escape. She dreaded the return of Lloyd, and yet she saw n o chance of ever leaving the dungeon vault unless h e came. She stood close to the little window, which was too high up for her to see through, and shouted for help But there was no one to hear save Mark Adzfelt, and he never interfered with his nei g hbors Two hours passed away, night came, and a renew al of the horrors. There was a thunderstorm raging outside, and the noise seemed to shake the building even to its founda tions. How she wished the place would be destroyed. She was desperate, and felt it better to die beneat h the ruins of the warehouse than to live am i d such h o r rors.

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A Magnanimous Englishman. I 9 5 Why had not Lloyd returned? All the day and far into the night she puzzled her brain about it, and the action kept her from insanity. The lightning flashed, scaring the rats more than it did the fair prisoner. By the light of one flash she saw an open door. How had she missed it during the day? Was it only an illusion, or had some one opened the side door since the storm began? She waited for another lightning flash, and then walked rapidly toward the door. It was really open. Through it sh e passed, and found herself in a much pleasanter place, because it possessed more windows and looked cleaner and brighter. But it was only another warehouse, and escape seemed just as far off. In the morning she fancied she heard some footsteps, and she called aloud for help. She hammered at a door and it was opened by Lloyd. He caught her in his arms, and, throwing a coat over her head, muffled her cries. He bore her along just as he would have carried a child, and she was so stifled with the coat that she was fast becoming unconscious. Whe n she was sufficiently revived to understand her position, she was in a boat and beir.g rowed out into the harbor. "Where are you taking me?" she asked, with a splen did assumption of calmness. "Yonder lies an English man-of-war; on board, the chaplain shall make us man and wife."

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196 A Magnanimous Englishman. A shivering sensation passed over her, and she saw how careful she must be if she wi s h e d to foil this scheming scoundrel. "But there is no proof that Capt. is dead," she ventured. "That makes no difference. You see, now, you are in my power. There is no chance to escape. I am pleased to see that you are acting sensibly." His words gave her a cue. She would appear to ac quiesce, and trust to Providence to find a way out of her troubles. "But will not the chaplain hesitate to marry us unless he has proof of my husband's death?" Lloyd laughed uneasily. "You have never been married," he said, though with great hesitation and nervousness. "Never married ?" "No. You s ee, when you reach yonder ship, you will be und er t he flag of England--" "Yes?" "And the king has issued a proclamation declaring all laws passed during the last twelve months in the colonies to be illegal, all marriages null and void--" "It is unjust." "Not so. If your Washington is successful, the king's proclamation amounts to nothing at all. If he fails, why, people can get married over a gain-that is, if they are not tired of each other, and if they are the proclamation will be a welcome thing." "I see." In her heart she wi s hed that a big wave would cap size the boat, even though she were drowned.

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A Magnanimous Englishman. 197 Better death than such dishonor. How was it that an English man-of-war was so near the city? She h a d not heard of its approach. But there it was. She had seen too many of such vessels during the last few months for her to be mistaken. Lloyd plied the oars vigorously. It was life or death to him, and he knew that his only chance of safety lay in reaching the vessel. The man of-war had, evid e ntly, not been seen, or Capt. Alden would have warned it away. She looked back toward the city. Her thou g hts were far from pl e asant, and more than once she thought of throwing herself into the water, and so endin g her young life. "Ship ahoy!" Lloyd called out in suppressed voice. "Who calls ?" "A fri end." "The word ?" "Confu s ion. "All s well!" The ladd e r was lowered, and Allan Lloyd, with one arm around Doroth y, pulled himself to the deck. "Is the captain on board?" "The admir a l himself is here "So much the better. I have weighty news to im part." "You are e xp e cted." Leavin g Doroth y with the first officer, Allan Lloyd entered the prese nce of the admiral. Lord H owe lis ten e d to him and manifested no sign of pleasur e "Well, sir, is that all ?"

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198 A Magnanimous Englishman. "Yes, my lord." "Then you have risked your neck for nothing. All this I knew three hours ago. Who is the lady yo u have with you?" "One whom I would make my wife." "Is she an assenting party?" "How else would she accompany me?" Allan Lloyd never felt so humiliated in all his life as he did when Lord Howe replied to his question: "A man who is a traitor to his own people may well be doubted as to his honor where a woman is cor. cerned." "But, my lord--" "I will speak to the lady, and should she express a willingness to marry a traitor to his own people, I will not stand in the way." "You speak harshly, my lord; I have given valuable information to the English--" "I know it; but while accepting the information, I none the less hate and abhor the testator." "And yet--" "I know what you would say. We employ spiesyes, and we employ rapscalions of all classes ; but we don't make friends of them. No, Mr. Allan Lloyd, you have forfeited all right to be considered a man of honor, and must expect to be doubted. Where is the lady?" Lloyd wished he had left Dorothy in Boston. It might have been better had he done so. But the die was cast, and he must take the consequences. Dorothy was escorted to the admiral's cabin and Lloyd was most unceremoniously told to leave.

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A Magnanimous Englishman. 199 When the sound of his foosteps died away Admiral Howe asked Dorothy to be seated. "You are under the protection of the English flag now, which will allow no wrong to be done to a woman, even though she were as homely as you are beautiful. You came here with Allan Lloyd?" "Yes." "Of your on free will?" She did not answer, for she knew not what part to play. "You may speak openly. Tell the whole truth, my dear young lady, and you will find a friend in me." "I will trust you, sir." "That is well said, and you will not regret it." Dorothy blushed as she explained how it came about that she wore masculine clothes. Lloyd had explained it far differently. He had said she donned them to enable her the better to elope with him. "So you have a husband?" "Yes, sir." "And you love him? Ah, you need not answer, I can see that you do. Tell me about him, I may aid you." She told of Winthrop Tempest, and we may be well sure that he was well spoken of by his loving bride. "But if he were dead-would you willingly marry Allan Lloyd ?" "I would rather die ." "It is enough. We do not war on women. You shall be taken back to Boston ." "How can I thank you ?" "Remember me in your prayers, my good young lady, and I shall be well repaid."

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200 "The Republic Lives!" He called his first officer. "Take a few men and hoi s t a flag of truce. Escort this lady back to Boston, and do not l eave her until she is in the hands of her friends, or delivered to Capt. John Alden." Lloyd saw all his hopes shattered as the boat left the man-of-war. He had risked all and lost. Honor, conscience, peace of mind, all gone, and while life lasted he would be loathed and despised by his kind. CHAPTER XXXIV. "DOWN WITH THE KING'S ARMS, THE REPUBLIC LIVES!" "Hushed t he people's swelling murmur, Whilst the boy cries joyously; 'Ring,' h e s houts, 'ring, grandpa, Ring, oh, ring for liberty!' "How they s houted! What rejoicing! How the old bell shook the air, Till the cl ang of freed o m ruffled The calmly gliding Delaware!" In the o ld State House of Pennsylvania the Congress of th e Uni ted Colonies was sitting Not a smile was to b e seen on any member's face. It was a scene the like of which had scarcely ever been known. To some it meant the consummation of treason; to oth ers the proclamation of libert y Rich a rd Henry Lee was away sick, but his place was taken by Thomas Jefferson.

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"The Republic Lives!" 2.01 All day Lee's resolution was being discussed; all night the sitting lasted. Benjamin Franklin, in clear-cut ringing tones, de clared that "he would rather be hanged for struggling for liberty than be enriched and honored as a slave." Ringing che ers greeted the announcement. Then courtly Robert Livingston, of New York, rose to his feet. Scholarly, calm and placid were his words, but every syllable was a deathknell to tyranny. "The King of England is not the king of America unless the people of America so declare, and as for me and my house, I will never vote for a kingly master." Ro ge r Sherman, of Connecticut, was still more em phatic. It was evident the resolution of independence was to be passed, but it ou ght to be by unanimous vote. "Place yourselves on record, men of America," said Sherman; "let each declare his preference." Silence rei g ned in the State House. The old bellman ascended the tower, ready to ring the bell when the resolution should be passed. His grandson was to be the messenger, and the old man waited. Hour succeed e d hour, and the boy never ascended the stairs. "They'll never do it!" cried the old man in agony of mind. It was a serious time. No one feared the result, but each knew the respon sibility.

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"The Republic Lives!" It was treason or patriotism. Treason the world would brand it if they failed, pa triotism if successful. To be hanged as traitors and rebels, or to be loved and honored as founders of a nation. The third of July still saw the discussion continue. All were agreed on the spirit of the resolution, but it was the wording of the declaration which caused them anxiety. It was a work for all time, not a mere transient piece of le g islation which none would remember. All afternoon and evening until midnight did those brave men talk and argue, and when they went to their temporary homes not one of them slept. The fourth of July dawned. The sun shone with radiant splendor. The birds sang th eir carols of joy, and the Congress of the United Colonies again resumed its sitting. There were a number of spectators pre sent, and in the front line could be seen the faces of Maurice Gard ner and Winthrop Tempest the latter looking pale and haggard. He had been searching for his wife and had reach ed Philadelphia, thinking she might be looking for him th e re. But, as we know, Dorothy was at that very time on her way home, under the escort of Lord Howe's gallant marmes. The old bellman ascended the tower again and in his heart h e prayed that death might find him n ea r his bell if the declaration was not made. "Be patient, Tempest," said Gardner. "They are laying the foundation of a New Jerusalem."

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"The Republic Lives !" Jefferson, calm and dignified, was speaking. He held in his hand a manuscript. He read: 203 "We hold these truths to be self-evident : That all men are created equal." He paused. The full meaning must be understood. No king could rule under such a declaration-no privileged class exist. There was no dissentient voice. He continued through the preamble, recited the charges against the king, and not a sound disturbed him. Then, in an ass emb lage the like of which the world has never before or since seen, he concluded, with the words: "And for the support of this d e claration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." Jefferson sat down. John Hancock rose from the chair, and, in a solemn voice, asked for a rising vote. The spectators looked at the members of Congress. Who would dare to remain in his se at? The men of Pennsylvania were the first to rise. New York was not laggard. Boston emphasized the vote, while Virginia was eager to be counted. Not one representative kept his seat. The Declaration of Independence was adopted. The little grandson of the bell ringer stumbled up the stairs, shouting :

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204 A Lover's Offer of His Life. "Ring grandpa, ring!" The old bellman did ring as he had never done before. He shouted: "God be praised God be praised I" The tears ran down his cheeks, and the arm which pulled the rope moved automatically The people cheered. Then shouts could be heard for miles. A nation was born The New World was to b e free. Tempest, with husky voice, declared he must hurry back to Boston to spread the news. Couriers were hurrying everywhere, bonfires were lig ht ed, bells rung, people fell on their in the streets and thanked God. The nation was born, tyranny must be killed Never was such enthusiasm known. Mounted on the fleetest h orses, Gardner and Tempest sped on their way north, everywhere crying: "It is done We are free I Down with the king's arms, the republic lives CHAPTER XXXV. A LOVER'S OFFER OF HIS LIFE. All alon g the route taken by Winthrop Tempest the enthusi a sm evoked by his announcement of the adoption of the independence declaration was intense.

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A Lover's Offer of His Life. 205 The J erseyites shouted, as they were ready to fight, with an earnestness and spirit which was unconquer able. Some thought that the very adoption of the declaration by Congress would be sufficient. "The redcoats will go," said they. "When we make them," answered Tempest. The fleetest horses were placed at his disposal and he availed himself of the offer. When Gardner and Tempest had crossed the river they separated, Gardner taking the interior of the State of New Jersey and Tempest keeping nearer the coast line. It is difficult to think that it took several days before New England knew what had taken place in Phila delphia. There were no locomotives covering the space be tween the Quaker City and New York in less than two hours, and no one had dreamed of the electric current carrying news. The fastest horse and the most daring rider had to be called into requisition to convey the pleasing intelli gence. Tempest sped along with all the ardor of youth, and forgetful of the weakness caused by his ac c id e nt and sufferings. He was drawing upon his reserve force with avengeance A love of liberty, an enthusiasm begot of intense patriotism, bore him up. His face was pale his eyes were sunken, but thei r brightness was not dimmed

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206 A Lover's Offer of His Life. He reached Perth Amboy and crossed over to Staten Island. He did not know that Lord Howe had l anded there, and that Gen. Clinton, smarting from the defeat at Charleston, had joined him. He did not know that the beautiful "isle of the sea" had become an intrenched camp. Over at Tottenville, Lord Howe had gathered together ten thousand English and Hessian soldiers while farther in the int erior, resting in the beautiful Rich mond valley, were six thousand more sold i ers under the command of Gen. Clinton. New Dorp and the adjacent village, then called Cucklestown, but now Richmond, was the rendezvous of four thousand Hessians under the command of the "handsome Hessian," Gen. Kuyphausen. All this was unknown to Winthrop Tempest. He had chosen to cross the island because it was so much nearer, and time was precious. Fortunately, good old Harry Billop, of Tottenville, possessed some of the fastest horses on the island, and as he was of the same temperament as Brutus of old, who "--would brook the eterna l devil To keep his state in Rome, as easily as a king--" Billop was ready to l end his very best and fastest horse to the emissary of the United States Congress. Billop did more, for he agreed to ride for some miles with Tempest, and it was well that he did so, for our young hero was but poorly acquainted with Staten Island.

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A Lover's Offer of His Life. 2 0 7 The sturdy hater of monarchy left Tempest at Cucklestown, and Winthrop knew he had only a few miles more to ride before he reached the bay. He had journeyed until he was tired, and having reach the Black Horse Tavern he determin ed to put on a bold face and ask for refreshment for man and beast. There were some patriots present who seemed to feel intuitively that Winthrop Tempest was one with them. They pressed round him, and by hints and gestures learned that th eir intuition had not been wron g Gr0wing bolder, Tempest openly acknowledged that he was a patriot. "And, gentlemen, we are no longer colonists, but free citizens." "Is it true?" "As God reigneth. Independence hath been de clared A loud huzza rose from the patriots, and the English asked what the tumult meant. "Hark!" said Tempest "Hear ye yonder bell?" "Ay; it is the bell of old St. Andrew at Cuckles town ." "Yes, and it is ringing out the news that we are de termined to be fre e." "Youn g man, that is treason. Who are thou?" "I am Winthrop Tempest, whose great ancestor was driven from Eng l and because of persecution, and who land ed with other good men and true from the Mayflower. Who am I? I am a descendant of J ohn T em pest, and also of the last sachem of the great Narragan setts."

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'.2.08 A Lover's Offer of His Life. "But an English subject," spoke the stranger. "Till two days ago I was. But now I am no longer a subject, but a citizen of a free country." "And dost thou not acknowledge King George?" "As King of England, yes, but not of America." "I would speak with thee in private. Hello, mine host! send this young rebel to my room." "It shall be done." The stranger walked away, and all were silent save Tempest "Who is he ?" he asked. "Alack-a-day! thy tongue hath been thy undoing," said one. "And this, then, is why thou didst not cheer?" "Of a verity, for he is Lord Howe, admiral of his majesty's fleet, and in command on Staten Island." Tempest saw he was in a trap, but he was made of too stern a nature to draw back. "I have said I would talk with him, and, host, do thy duty. Show me to Lord Howe's room." "Nay, go out." "Thy life will be sacrificed." "Stay here, or better, mount thy good horse and ride thee through Egbertville to Decker's Dock." Tempest looked at them. A scowl was on his brow "Thy meaning is good, and I thank thee, but I have given my word, and no Tempest ever broke his word. Lead on, mine host." Without another word Tempest followed the host of the Black Horse into a large room wht>re sat Lord Howe.

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A Lover's Offer of His Life. 209 A map of the surrounding country was before him, and he was making certain calculations as our hero entered. "So! thou art Winthrop Tempest." "Yes, my lord; hast thou heard my name before?" "Of a verity, yes. Dost thou know one A llan Lloyd?" "Traitor and knave!" hissed Tempest. "I see that thou knowest him. Thy estimate is cor rect. He is both traitor and knave." Lord Howe paused for a moment, but Tempest re mained silent. "Dost thou know one called Dorothy Tempest?'' asked Howe. "My wife, my bride. What knowest thou of her? Speak, my lord; is she a prisoner?" "And if she is, what wouldst thou give to ransom her?" "End my suspense, my lord; is she here?" "I asked thee a question." "My lord, I wish to cross to New York. Let me do so, and I will return before sunset to-morrow, and then I will give thee my life if thou wilt release my wife." "But I have only thy word. What bond canst thou give?" "A Tempest never yet gave bonds. His word was n ever doubted." "May I trust thee?" "I never break my word." "But thou saidst-thy life." "My life is thine, my lord, when I return, and if thou but releasest my Dorothy, my wife, I will die without a murmur."

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zw A Lover's Offer of His Life. "Thou art a brave fellow Wouldst thou take a letter to George Washington?" "To Gen Washington?" "Thou mayst call him so. I only call him plain Mr. Washington." "My lord, I cannot be a me s sen ger for King George but if thou wilt send an aid-de-camp, he shall trave l with me and I will shield him with my life "Brave l y spoken. Now listen, I will tell thee t he truth. Thy wife is with her friends "Her friends ?" "Ay, her friends in Boston." "But--" Lor Howe stopped him, and told how Dorothy had been kidnaped by Allan Lloyd, and how she had been rel e as e d. Tempest was overjoye d. He clasped Lord Howe's hand in his and thanked him for his generous action. For a second time the English admiral acted with magnanimity, for he distinctly refused to keep Tempest a prisoner, and allowed him to pass on way to New York. 1 ., I I But accompanying him was an English officer, bear-ing a Jetter :(iiom Lqrd .Howe, and addresseq to Geo rge Washington, Esq. The general refused to even receive the communica tion as it did not recognize h,is official position. The adjutant-g eneral r eturne d to Staten Island, and a f e w da y s l ater h a nd e d another letter to Washington, addressed to Geo rRe Was hington. etc. etc. etc. "What meaneth these etceteras?" asked the general. I

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Boston Enthusiasm. ZII Whereupon the adjutant-ge neral answered that they might si g nify "general of the American army." Was hington was not going to be caught by any such subterfuge, and he again refused to receive the letter. "Tell Admiral Lord Howe," he said, "that I know he has only the power to grant pardons, and as no crime has been committed no pardon is necessary. Besides, the colonies are now independent and will defend them selves against all aggression." CHAPTER XXXVI. BOSTON ENTHUSIASM. A week had elapsed and Winthrop Tempest was once more in Boston. Faneuil Hall was crowded to hear him speak on the glorious work done by the Continental Congress. "Massachusetts did its duty," said the young orator; "so did Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. We have d e clared for freedom! Shall we obtain it? "If we fail we can be no worse off than before, but we will not fail. The very cry of independence will raise up armi es. The blood spilled at Lexington and Bunker Hill will be like t t e sowing of the dragons' teeth, and will produce for l s an army of men who will esteem not life, if liberty be not attained." There was such a storm of cheering that Tempest's voice was hushed.

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212 Boston Enthusiasm. V.,T omen, for there were many present, vied with men in shouting for independence. The tears rolled down the faces of aged men, and one old patriarch, whose white beard reached to his waist, and whose silvery hair hung like a filmy snow veil over his shoulders, stood on a bench and in a clear and reso nant voice chanted : "Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen this day." Everyone was deeply affected, and it was at least twenty minutes before Tempest could continue. "We may not live to see the new nation firmly estab lished and recognized by the nations of the world, but our children will. "We may die; die, colonists and fettered slaves; some of us may die on the scaffold, others be immured behind strong walls and heavily barred windows, but if so, what then? "The cause cannot die! It will move on until all na tions shall see its glory, and a nation will arise which shall be a new Jerusalem to the people of the world." Again the people cheered and shouted. Again psalms and hymns were sung, and the orator had to wait until the people's enthusiasm had subsided. "I see before me," he said, "a view of a grand and vast temple. To-day we are only laying the founda tion. The Declaration of Independence is the corner stone. We will work on the walls, and please God we may live to see the grand capstone placed upon the roof of the temple, and see a flag wave above the citadel under whose folds no chains can fetter, no tyranny torture or kill.

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Boston Enthusiasm. 213 "Then the world shall say of Washington and Adams, J efferson and Hancock, Roger Sherman and Living ston, of the men of Bunker Hill and Lexington, that they were founders of a nation the like of which has n ever been seen And if I, by giving my life, can help to establish that nation, and found the republic, I shall go to my grave thanking God for so glorious a privi lege!" The people were almost frantic with enthusiasm They pushed forward to shake the orator's hand, they embraced him, and for a time he was in danger of being killed by kindness But the crowd separated like magic when a signa l was given, and through the center of that crowd walked John Adams Not long before, a reward had been offered for h is dead body. Not long before, an amnesty h ad been declared for all, save only he and his valiant friend, Hancock A fu g itive then, a welcome g uest now. But the English were not there. Only lovers of American freedom had gathered The patriot met with a splendid reception, and spok e calmly but with intense earnestness. Then a new surprise was in store for the people, fo r another signer of the famous declaration was presen t., and was the recipient of a magnificent ovation. Cannons were fired the bells rung, and in the churches and even in the King's Chapel services were held thanking Heaven for the brave work done by the patriots. We may be sure that when Tempest reached the

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A Traitor's Doom. Gardner house, followed by hundreds of citizens, he re ceived another ovation, and as he pressed his loving wife to hi s breast the people d ecla red that Dorothy was one of the truest friends of liberty in the city. It was pleasing to the husband, as well as gratifying to her friends, to think that his wife held such a firm place in the hearts of the people. He thanked the crowd and bade them remember that, had it not been for the generosity and magnanimity of Lord Howe, neither Dorothy nor he would have been free. Bonfires were lighted, flags were fly ing and general enthusiasm prevailed throu g hout the city. Independence meant much to thes e New Englanders ; it meant ruin if the revolution failed, but prosperity and freedom if Washington was successful. CHAPTER XXXVII. A TRAITOR'S DOOM. Oh, for a ton g ue to curse the s l ave, Whose treason, like a df.':adly bli ght C omes o'er the councils of the brave, And blasts the m in their hour of might! -Moore. Al1an Lloyd, spurned by Lord Howe, became highly indi gnant. Instead of the English admiral's cont empt having the eff ect of chan ginghis treason into loyalty, it had just the op posite inf'uence.

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A Traitor's Doom. He became more determined than ever to serve the English, and win wealth and credit. "How can the colonists succeed?" he asked himself, and proceeded to argue out the situation "England is rich, the colonies are poor. England can secure all the soldiers she wants from Germany, the colonie s can depend only on themselves. England can--" He did not utter his thought. It seemed almost too much for him. He acted almost lik e a Comanche Indian on a war dance. "It is capital. They have never thought of it. I will write to King George. He will reward me for the idea. Let me think it out-the aborigines, the Indians, hate the colonists ; then why should not England employ them ? How they would burn and pillage the houses, and scalp men, women and children. It would be glori ous! No on e could stand against it." And Allan Lloyd at once sat down and wrote to the king's most excellent majesty. It was a matter of months in those days before a letter could reach Lon don and an answer b e returned, so the traitor deter mined to make use of his time in making himself "solid," as we should express it to-day, with the English authorities. He proceeded to New York, where he was not known, and at once joined a club of the Sons of Liberty. So zealous was he that not one thought of having any secrets from him. He was loud-mouthed as a patri o t, and so strong in his hatred of the English authorities that it was often

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216 A Traitor's Doom. said : "If we had a few thousand like Lloyd the conflict would soon be over." And they were right, only the conclusion would not be as they wished. His natural eloquence, added to the intense enthusi asm he assumed, made him welcome with the patriots. "Black Sam," as Samuel Fraunce was usually called, was completely captivated by him, and gave him cMte blanche in the hostelry known as Fraunce's Tavern. Here he met George Washington. The general listened to all Lloyd said, but was very c autious in his own words He called Fraunce to one side "\Vhere didst thou find that blatant mouther?" Sam Fraunce loved Washington, or he might have resented the reflection cast upon Lloyd. "He is a Son of Liberty." "I am sorry. The man is all surface. Trust him n o t ." "You wrong him, general." "I hope I do, but I would not trust him." For two or three weeks Allan Lloyd pursued his way unmolested. All thought him a good patriot, and all were ready t o impart to him all they knew of Washington's plans One day, however, Abram Zeis, an American Hebrew, who was a good and true patriot, saw Lloyd enter a little rowboat in the North River and pull toward Staten Island Knowing that the island was an English military c amp, Zeis became very suspicious, and more so because

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A Traitor's Doom. 217 Lloyd was disguised and very anxious to avoid being reco gnized. The Jew was shrewd and sharp, as most of his race are, and with his clear-sightedness he combined a large amoun t of secretiveness. He determined to watch Lloyd, and from that day on every movement of the pseudo patriot was noted and rememb ered It was on the occasion of the third visit to Staten Island, since Zeis had been shadowing the noisy patriot, that a second boat glided out noiselessly and kept in the track of the one rowed by Lloyd. Across the smooth waters of the bay the two boats mov ed almost without noise. Lloyd looked back many times, but had no reason to believe that he was followed. The landin g took place at what is now known as Tompkin sville. In the shadow stood three men, and after a signal was exchanged Lloyd told them all that he knew of Washington's plans. Every word was heard by Abram Zeis, and he waited not for the return of Lloyd. His oars dipped the water quickly, and the six miles were covered in splendid time. Arrived at the city, he hastened to the meeting place of the Sons of Liberty. All were ready, for Zeis had prepared them for some important n e ws. They w a l ke d do w n to the water's side and waited. The hou r o f m i dnight struck from old Trinity's clock before Llo y d s boat was seen

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218 A Traitor's Doom. Quietly the traitor made fast his boat, and climbed to the rude dock. He whistled jauntily as he stepped forward. Suddenly a man emerged from the shadows and hailed him. Lloyd was in no humor for talk, especially at that hour of the night, and he grunted forth a reply to the salutation. The man was inclined to be friendly and walked close to Lloyd. Another appeared, and the traitor thought first he was the victim of footpads; but his guilty conscience made him tremble. His fears were increased when the second comer dex terously raised his hand, removing Lloyd's hat, and with it a red wig. "Ha, ha, ha! Allan Lloyd in disguise. Was it for some l ady fair you risked your life?" Lloyd affected to laugh, but it was a poor attempt. "Yes, yes," he stammered. "I-well-you know I did not want to be seen, so I-wore that." A dozen had gathered round him, and the leader, Abram Zeis, repeated : "You did not want to be seen?" "No, that was it. A frolic, you know." "A frolic on Staten Island?" "Ha, ha, ha! No, in the lovely city of Jersey." "It is a lie, Allan Lloyd !" "A lie! "Yes, a black lie, as black as your traitorous heart. You were followed to Staten Island. Every word was heard. You shall die the death of a traitor I"

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A Traitor's Doom. "Don't say that. I-I-did it for the best. I-love -my country--" A terrible blow across the mouth prevented him from continuing his speech. "Tear out his heart !" "Wring his neck !" "No, no, men, let us be loyal. We will hand him over to Gen. Washington and we will all see him hang on Bowling Green." "Yes, over by King George's statue," suggested an other. "Hanging's too good for him." "That it is. Let us tear him into four pieces as they serve traitors !" As if to put the project into execution, Lloyd was thrown down, and four men seized him by the arms and legs and began pulling in opposite directions. It really seemed that they would tear him apart. The poor fellow-vile traitor as he was-shrieked for mercy. His cries attracted the attention of all who were not asleep. Windows were raised and people looked out, their heads decked with the quaint nightcaps peculiar to the time. Questions were asked, and not a word of sympathy was heard for the wretched spy. Not one word until a clear voice asked with such authority that an answer could not be withheld: "What means this brawl?" It was Winthrop Tempest who put the question, and all knew that he was attached to Washington's staff.

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A Traitor's Doom. He pushed through the crowd and saw the frighte ned face of Allan Lloyd. "You?" gasped the spy "Yes, Allan Lloyd. Yo u failed to murder me in Bos ton Creek, you failed to ruin the fair nam e of my wife Traitor to your friends as well as your country your end has come !" "Mercy!" "What mercy did you show to me? But let that pass. What mercy would you show to your own coun trymen and women whe n the English employed the Indians as you suggested?" "I-how do you know--" "Spy, traitor! you r l ette r to the 'kin g 's most excellen t maje s ty "-and there was a sneer perceptible as T em pest repeat ed the words-"never left New York. Your messenger was an i gnorant lad, who took the letter to a patriot instead of a ro yalist a gent." "All is lo st !" gasped Lloyd "Yes, all for you. I am not your judge, but let me advise you to spend the last hours of your life in making peace with Heaven "Have mercy, Capt. Tempest, and I will go away I will leave the country." "Take him to headquarters. The proper court will decide his future." The moon was shining brightly over the lovely waters of New York harbor as the Sons of Liberty took their prisoner to the temporary guard room. As he saw the g loomy prison from whic h he wou ld only emer ge to die an i g nominious death, his heart sank within him.

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A Traitor's Doom. 221 He knew it was no use to plead for mercy to his captors. They were doing their duty, and their hearts were adamant where their country s enemies were concerned. He saw the waters in front of him, and with a sudden jerk he wrenched himsel'f free, and ran to the edge of the dock. His pursuers were close upon him as he leaped into the water. A dozen muskets were fired, a dozen balls hit the water, and soon a red stream of blood dyed the surface. Allan Lloyd was dead. Dead, gone before the great White Throne to answer for his crimes. Had he been hanged as a spy, future ages might have doubted the wisdom of the execution, but dying as he did, history scarcely mentions his name, and all are agreed that he deserved his fate as a traitor to honor, truth and country. Our hero had seen the first shot fired for liberty, and had heard the clanging and the clangor of independence bell. His enthusia sm had not abated, and he still believed peace would come and America be a nation, not a de pendency. And in this ambitious hope he lived, and loved, and fou g ht. We leave him now but doubtless shall again renew our acquaintance with him, for every generation of the Tempest has produced men whose names are household words.

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A Traitor's Doom. The men who fired the first shot for liberty were not afraid of the consequences. They fought for the future, and from their grand and bold action there has sprung a nation greater than an cient Rome, stronger than Greece in all her glory, the peer of any modern country, and the freest nation on earth. THE END.

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THE CREAM OF JUVENILE FICTION THE BOYS' OWN T A Selection of the Best Books for Boys by the Most Popular Authors XHE titles in this splendid juvenile series have been selected W with care, and as a result all the stories can be relied upon for their excellence. They are bright and sparkling; not over-burdened with lengthy descriptions, but brimful of adven ture from the first page to' the last-in fact they are just the kind of yams that appeal strongly to 'the healthy boy who is fond of thrilling exploits and deeds of heroism. Among the authors whose names are included in the Boys' Own Library are Horatio Alger, Jr., Edward S. Ellis, James Otis, Capt. Ralph Bonchill, Burt L. Standish, Gilbert Patten and Frank H. Con verse. SPECl.(\L FEA TUREs OF THE BOYS' OWN LIBRARY .,,, .,,, All the books in thia aeries are copyrighted, printed on good paper, large type, illueti:ated, printed wrappers, handsome cloth coven in inks and gold-fifteen special designs. I 150 per Volume, 75 cents For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by the publisher, DAVID McKAY, 6JO SO. WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILAI;>ELPHIA, PA. (i)

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HORATIO ALGER, Jr. One of the best known a.nd most popular writers. Good, elean, healthy stories for the American Boy. Adventures of a Telegraph Boy Dean Dunham Erie Train Boy, The Five Hundred Dollar Check l'rom Canal Boy to President From Farm Boy to Senator Jlackwoods Boy, The C. B. A.8HLEY. Mark Stanton Ned Newton New Yo!"k Boy Tom Braoe Tom Tracy Walter GrUD.th Young .A.orobM; One of the best stories ever written on hunting, trapping and ad. .,enture in the West, afte.r the Custer Massacre. Gilbert, the Boy Trapper ANKIE ASROR.& A splendid story, recording the adventures of a ooy with smugglera. Smucaler'a Cave, The Capt. Bonehill is in the very front rank as an author of ooys' stories. These are two of his belt worb. Jreka, the Boy Conjurer Tour of the Zero Club WALTER F. BR1JN8. An excellent story of adventure in the celebrated Sunk l.&nds of Missouri and Kansaa. In the Sunk Landa FlllANK H. CONVBR8E. This writer has established a splendid reputation as a ooyw' author, and although his books usually command ,1.25 per volume, we o11er, the following at a more popular price. Gold of Flat Top Xonnt&tn Rappy-Go-Luo]cy Jack Heir to a Million In Searo]l of An Unknown Race In Southern Seu Xyatel'J" of a Diamond That Trea.ure Voyage \o the Gold Oou DAVID )lcKAY, PubllBher, Philadelphia. (ii}

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The Stranger's Prophecy. 7 stone's throw of where we meet. I am Boston born, though for some years my life has been spent in other parts." The speech disarmed resentment, and Capt. Markham, who was always ready to avail himself of an excuse to drink, again filled his glass, and rising to his feet, bowed with a most courtly manner. "I drink to our better acquaintance," he said, and the wine disappeared very quickly down his throat. The stranger hoped the question of traitors would be dropped, and, therefore, tried to turn the conversation into social channels. "Does Boston possess as many pretty maidens as repute awards her?" he asked; and was answered by Maj. Alexander of the artillery : "The damsels are pretty in their looks, pert in their manner, as piquant as sauce, but, by Jove, they are rebels, every one of them.!" "Not so, major; I can vouch that a scarlet coat has great attractions for every girl in Boston, and there isn't one of them but would prefer an English soldier for a sweetheart, to the wealthiest colonist who is a rebel." "You speak with warmth, Capt. Firth," said Alex ander. "I speak as I feel. And England would have trouble very quickly if it wasn't for the fascination of a red coat." "Hush! Who knows but some 'Son of Liberty' may hear you!" A hearty laugh greeted Markham's remark. "Do you fear trouble?" asked Alexander. :;_.